NDLEA Edo Intensifies Crackdown on Drug Hotspots Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced plans to intensify operations against drug trafficking and abuse across the state as part of efforts to ensure peaceful and violence-free elections in 2027.

State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju made the disclosure during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Barrister Obo Effanga, and the leadership of the Faculty of Peace Organisation at the NDLEA Command Headquarters in Benin City.

According to Ofoyeju, the agency is committed to supporting efforts aimed at guaranteeing credible and peaceful elections by targeting drug-related activities often linked to electoral violence and other criminal acts.

He stated that the command would carry out strategic raid operations on identified drug hotspots before, during, and after the election period to prevent illicit substances from being used to fuel unrest.

"We will intensify targeted operations against drug dens and trafficking networks across the state. Our objective is to remove illegal drugs from circulation and deny criminal elements the tools they often use to disrupt public peace. Nigerians deserve free, fair, and peaceful elections, and the NDLEA remains committed to contributing to that goal," Ofoyeju said.

The commander also expressed appreciation for the work of the Faculty of Peace Organisation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government agencies and civil society groups in addressing drug abuse among young people.

He pledged closer cooperation with the organisation in promoting drug abuse prevention, public awareness, and community-based interventions aimed at reducing substance abuse.

Earlier, Resident Electoral Commissioner Obo Effanga commended the NDLEA for its support during previous election cycles in Edo State, noting that the agency's efforts helped curb drug-related incidents capable of threatening the electoral process.

Effanga stressed that drug and substance abuse remain significant contributors to electoral violence and called for sustained collaboration between the electoral body and security agencies ahead of future elections.

In a separate engagement, the President of the Faculty of Peace Organisation, Comrade Osunbor Kelly Omokaro, highlighted the group's commitment to promoting peace, transparency, youth development, and drug abuse prevention.

He praised the NDLEA Edo Command for its visible achievements in combating drug trafficking and reducing the availability of illicit substances within communities.

Omokaro also advocated stronger partnerships in areas such as public sensitisation, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach programmes aimed at discouraging drug abuse among youths.

The visits reflect growing cooperation between the NDLEA, electoral authorities, and civil society organisations in tackling drug-related challenges and promoting a peaceful environment ahead of future elections in Edo State.