In September 2026, the [Edo State](https://www.edostate.gov.ng) branch of the [National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)](https://www.ndlea.gov.ng) announced the arrest of 42 individuals suspected of drug trafficking and the seizure of roughly 9,520 kilograms of illegal narcotics, while also declaring a suspected drug kingpin, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, wanted after he fled the scene.
**What gender breakdown did the arrests show?**
[Mitchell Ofoyeju](https://www.ndlea.gov.ng/about-us/leadership), the state commander, told journalists on Monday that the operation resulted in 22 women and 20 men being taken into custody.
**Why was a wanted notice issued?**
The agency also issued a wanted notice for the alleged drug baron, known as “Omega”, who escaped during the raid, leaving behind a black Toyota Matrix that contained 65 grams of [cannabis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis), cash worth N1.16 million and 55 Ethiopian birr.
**Who was captured alongside the baron?**
Ofoyeju said Odeh’s female associate, 26‑year‑old Ojugo Mercy, was arrested with 989 grams of “Loud”, 13 grams of “Colorado” and 83 grams of methamphetamine.
**What quantities of drugs were seized?**
The total haul amounted to 9,520 kg of contraband, broken down into 9,248.2575 kg of cannabis plantations destroyed and 271.92348 kg of other substances, including 245.29 kg of Cannabis sativa, 25.97 kg of psychotropic compounds, 0.66 kg of methamphetamine and 62.6 litres of codeine syrup.
**What is the status of prosecutions?**
The command has secured three convictions so far, while 83 cases remain pending in various courts across the state.