Seven Suspected Drug Dealers Arrested, Including Breastfeeding Mother

• The Edo State Government has apprehended seven suspected drug dealers—three men and four women—in coordinated anti-drug raids across Uromi, Ubiaja and Auchi, recovering illicit substances and vowing to sustain the operation.

The Edo State Government has arrested seven suspects, including a breastfeeding mother, during a coordinated anti-drug operation carried out across Uromi, Ubiaja and Auchi in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.

The suspects—three males and four females—were paraded in Benin City by the Edo State Taskforce on Wednesday.

Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus Ebea, stated that the arrests followed credible intelligence that led to targeted raids on identified drug hubs. He confirmed that various quantities of illicit substances were recovered, serving as clear evidence of the suspects’ involvement in the sale and distribution of hard drugs.

According to him, the operation, conducted on November 26, 2025, was part of efforts to maintain a crime-free environment across the state.

“Our youths are increasingly being lured into drug abuse, which fuels deviant behaviour and criminal activities. These raids in Esan North-East, Esan South-East and Etsako West led to the arrest of seven persons, including a breastfeeding mother,” he said.

Ebea added that the evidence recovered strongly links the suspects to the trade in harmful substances that contribute to rising antisocial behaviour in communities. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to dismantle drug networks, restore public safety and protect young people from the destructive influence of narcotics.

The Commissioner noted that the suspects would be profiled and handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

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“This operation will be sustained. It is not a one-off effort. The Edo State Government will continue to smoke out drug dealers and criminals wherever they hide to ensure a peaceful and safe society,” he said.

He further emphasised Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to make Edo a drug-free state, stressing that narcotics destroy lives and endanger communities.

Chairman of the Edo State Taskforce, CSP Michael Anetor, also reaffirmed his team’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crime across the state. He expressed appreciation for the Commissioner’s continued support and warned others involved in illegal drug activity to desist before the law catches up with them.

The Edo State Government reiterated that the crackdown will continue until all communities are safe, secure and free from the scourge of illicit drugs.