2027 Polls: NDLEA to intensify raids on drug hotspots in Edo

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has vowed to intensify raid operations on drug flashpoints across the state.
DAILY POST reports that Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of the Edo State Command of the agency, stated this when he played host to the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Obo Effanga, and the President of the Faculty of Peace Organization, Osunbor Kelly Omokaro, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Benin City.

Ofoyeju said the operations are aimed at ensuring peaceful and violence-free elections across the state.

According to him, “We will conduct targeted raid operations on identified drug flashpoints before, during and after the elections. Our goal is to take illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminal elements the means to cause disruption.

“Nigerians deserve peaceful, credible elections, and NDLEA will help pave the way for that,” he said.

He opined that the visits underscored the Edo State Command of the NDLEA’s growing collaboration with government institutions and civil society in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

While expressing satisfaction with the President of the Faculty of Peace Organization and other members, he promised to work closely with the organization in its targeted areas of focus.

He added that drug abuse prevention requires all hands on deck.

“We welcome partners like your organisation who are committed to building a drug abuse-free society through education and accountability. Together, we can save more youths from the scourge of drugs,” he added.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Obo Effanga, commended the command for its support and professionalism during previous election monitoring assignments in Edo State.

Effanga opined that INEC’s success in past elections was partly due to the NDLEA’s role in curbing drug-induced violence capable of undermining peaceful elections.

He, however, solicited renewed collaboration from the agency for the forthcoming elections, noting that drug and substance abuse remain major drivers of electoral violence.

On his part, Osunbor Kelly Omokaro stated that the NGO focuses on promoting a culture of excellence, budget tracking for transparency, and drug abuse prevention among youths.

Omokaro also commended the NDLEA in the state for its visible efforts in reducing the supply of drugs and appealed for closer collaboration in advocacy, sensitisation, and community outreach programmes.