The anti-narcotics agency, backed by soldiers, recovered 65 bags of skunk at a suspected drug hub in Owan West and launched a manhunt for a fleeing suspect

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working with personnel of the Nigerian Army, recovered 604.5kg of skunk cannabis during a raid on a suspected drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, on August 5, 2026.

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The operation, which resulted in the seizure of 65 bags of dried cannabis, was disclosed on Monday by the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, as the agency intensified its campaign against illicit drug trafficking across the state.

Ofoyeju said the raid also triggered a manhunt for a suspected drug kingpin identified as Sunday, who allegedly fled the area following the recovery.

“The operation carried out by men of the NDLEA and personnel of the Nigerian Army resulted in the seizure of 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis, weighing 604.5kg,” he said.

The commander said investigators were pursuing the fleeing suspect and expressed confidence that he would eventually be arrested.

“We are tracking the suspected drug kingpin, one Sunday, who is in hiding following the recovery of the 604.5kg of cannabis in the operation. He has nowhere to hide because we will certainly apprehend him,” Ofoyeju said.

The major seizure formed part of a wider enforcement campaign in Edo State, where NDLEA operatives also arrested nine suspected drug dealers and recovered assorted illicit substances from several identified hotspots.

Among those arrested was 58-year-old Musa Muhammed, from Bauchi, who was allegedly found with 280 grams of Cannabis sativa, 35 grams of Loud and 1.4 grams of Colorado.

The command also arrested 55-year-old Ebere Anthony, from Delta State, with 1.5kg of Cannabis sativa.

Gift Oliseyenum, 31, from Delta, was allegedly found with 74 grams of Cannabis sativa, 45 grams of Loud, 2.5 grams of Colorado and 4.7 grams of methamphetamine.

Boniface George, 27, also from Delta, was arrested with 195 grams of Cannabis sativa, while 28-year-old Muzamilu Mustapha, from Katsina State, was allegedly found with 40 grams of Loud and 80 grams of Cannabis sativa.

Others arrested were 27-year-old Faustina Peter and 36-year-old Chucks Odili, both from Delta State. The pair were allegedly found with 35 grams of Loud, 10 grams of Colorado and 0.8 grams of methamphetamine.

The command also arrested 17-year-old Anna Agbona, from Edo State, with 25 grams of Tramadol, while 42-year-old Julius Enebuli, from Delta, was allegedly found with 1kg of Cannabis sativa, 65 grams of Loud and 15 grams of Colorado.

Ofoyeju described the operations as a significant development in the state’s ongoing fight against illicit drugs, stressing that disrupting supply networks remained a priority for the agency.

He said the arrests and seizures demonstrated the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies, while also highlighting the importance of cooperation from communities where illicit drug activities take place.

“These arrests and drug seizures do not only highlight the efforts of law enforcement but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities,” Ofoyeju said.

He appealed to residents to provide information that could assist investigators in locating the fleeing suspect and identifying other people involved in drug trafficking within the state.

The latest operation comes amid sustained NDLEA efforts to dismantle cannabis cultivation, storage and distribution networks across Nigeria.

In recent weeks, the agency has reported several large cannabis seizures in different states, including major interceptions along transport routes and raids on suspected drug warehouses.

The Edo operation therefore adds to a broader enforcement drive aimed at disrupting the supply chain before illicit substances reach consumers.

For communities around Ewe Luleha and other drug hotspots, the recovery of more than 600kg of cannabis represents a substantial disruption to an alleged trafficking network.

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The NDLEA said investigations would continue, while suspects already arrested would face prosecution in accordance with the law.