Edo State anti-drug officials have arrested 289 suspected traffickers in just six months. Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA's state commander, made the disclosure on Friday during celebrations marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Among those arrested, 176 were men and 113 were women. Fifty-two of the suspects have already faced conviction in court.
The agency seized over 35,000 kilograms of cannabis across the state. About 14,705 kilograms came from traffickers while agents destroyed nearly 20,304 kilograms on illegal plantations.
Ofoyeju noted that 135 drug users received counselling services during the period. His command also ran 33 awareness programmes that reached 6,092 residents.
Still, the NDLEA commander acknowledged the agency cannot fight this battle alone. He called the drug crisis a family, community and national security matter.
Parents must protect their children from drug abuse, he urged. Ofoyeju told guardians to monitor behaviour, know their children's friends and watch for warning signs.
Young people shouldn't let drugs destroy their futures, he warned. Traditional rulers and religious leaders must use their moral authority to promote drug-free communities.
Ofoyeju promised to turn Edo into hostile territory for traffickers. His team remains professional, uncompromising and innovative in tackling the menace.
Governor Monday Okpebholo's office sent Andrew Efe, the senior special assistant on drug policy, to represent him. Efe pledged zero tolerance for trafficking in the state.
"When drug traffickers think they're clever, we'll prove we're smarter in justice," Efe said. He promised there would be no safe haven for dealers in Edo.
Traffickers who bring drugs into the state will be found and prosecuted, according to Efe. Seized drugs will be documented and offenders will face the full force of the law.
No one will escape accountability regardless of status, he emphasised. Addiction represents a serious public health crisis that demands action.
Efe said his administration is partnering with NDLEA and health providers. They aim to expand counselling and rehabilitation access across the state.
Drug victims won't be abandoned by government, he assured residents. Recovery and rebuilding opportunities will be made available to all.
Military and police commanders also attended the Friday event in Benin City. Brigadier-General Ahmed Balogun commands the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in the region.
Police Commissioner Monday Agbonika represented the force. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria's Edo chapter participated in discussions.
All stakeholders called for creative solutions to persistent drug trafficking problems. They stressed the need for innovative responses to address this longstanding challenge.
Friday's gathering centred on the theme "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses." Officials and community leaders outlined strategies for combating substance abuse.
