The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an intensified war against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State, revealing that the state has a drug abuse prevalence rate of 15 per cent.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Marwa described Edo as a major hub for cannabis cultivation, drug consumption and trafficking, warning that the situation required urgent collective action.
According to him, the prevalence rate among residents aged 15 to 64 stands at 15 per cent, compared to 33 per cent in Lagos State and 16 per cent in Kano State.
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He called on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s behaviour and seek early intervention whenever they notice signs of substance abuse.
The NDLEA boss also advocated the establishment of drug-free clubs and counselling units in schools, urging the media to stop glorifying drug use through entertainers and other public figures.
He further renewed his call for compulsory drug tests for intending couples, describing substance abuse as a serious national challenge that cuts across religion, ethnicity, gender and geographical boundaries.
The Edo State Government and other stakeholders also pledged stronger collaboration with the NDLEA to tackle drug abuse, improve rehabilitation efforts and promote alternative sources of livelihood for cannabis farmers.
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