NDLEA Destroys N34,000,000 (13,198kg) of Marijuana (Skunk) in Edo Forests, Arrests Businessmen in Nationwide Crackdown
BENIN CITY — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana/skunk) in Edo State forests, part of a nationwide operation targeting illicit drug trafficking. The agency also arrested several suspects, including a Lekki-based businessman and an Italy-based logistics agent, in coordinated raids across Nigeria.
Edo Forest Operations
Between March 24 and 28, 2025, NDLEA operatives dismantled four cannabis plantations in Edo forests and evacuated 158kg of Weed for prosecution. The destroyed substances were found in:
- Uhen Forest, Ovia North East Local Government Area.
- Sobe, Owan West Local Government Area.
- Amahor Forest, Igueben Local Government Area.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the operation, stating, “This destruction is a significant blow to drug cartels exploiting Edo’s forests for cultivation.”
Arrests and Seizures Nationwide
- Lekki Businessman Arrested:
- Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, owner of Damillionz Takeout, was arrested on March 24 while awaiting delivery of 60 parcels of Loud (a potent cannabis strain) from the U.S.
- A search of his Lekki residence uncovered 94 grams of cannabis, a cannabis crusher, and drug paraphernalia.
- Italy-Based Logistics Agent:
- Omoruyi Terry, a frequent traveler and logistics agent, was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on March 28 with 1,400 tramadol pills (800 grams) bound for Italy.
- Katsina Drug Repackaging Factory:
- Four suspects—Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal—were arrested in Godai village with 423kg of skunk and 86,000 diazepam pills.
- Niger State Interceptions:
- Paul Christopher and Lucky Star Anumie were caught with 77.6kg of skunk hidden in a Toyota Corolla’s false bottom.
- 50kg of skunk was recovered from fugitive Isa Iliya’s home in Wawa village.
Other Seizures
- Enugu: 108.5kg of skunk seized from lockup shops at Aria New Market.
- Kwara: 25kg of skunk recovered from Abdulrazak Saka in Ilorin.
- Oyo: Suli Saheed arrested with 2.5kg of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado in Ibadan.
NDLEA’s Message
Gen. Marwa emphasized the agency’s commitment to disrupting drug supply chains: “We will not relent in our pursuit of those profiting from the misery of others through drug trafficking.”
Public Reaction
- Social Media: Hashtags like #NDLEAWarOnDrugs trended, with Nigerians praising the agency’s efforts.
- Community Impact: Residents near Edo forests expressed relief, citing reduced drug-related crimes in the area.
Conclusion
The destruction of 13,198kg of skunk in Edo and nationwide arrests underscore NDLEA’s aggressive push to curb drug trafficking. As the agency continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, Nigerians await sustained efforts to address root causes of illicit cultivation and smuggling.
