NDLEA to raid drug hotspots ahead of Edo LG election

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State plans to significantly increase its operations against drug hotspots ahead of the upcoming local government elections on July 11. The agency aims to preemptively address potential drug-related violence that could disrupt the electoral process.

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We will conduct targeted raid operations on identified drug flashpoints before, during and after the elections.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, announced the intensified raids during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo, Mr. Obo Effanga. Ofoyeju stated that targeted operations will be conducted before, during, and after the elections to prevent criminal elements from using illicit drugs to incite violence.

Ofoyeju emphasized the agency's commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections, asserting that the NDLEA will play its part in achieving this objective by removing illicit drugs from the streets and denying criminals the means to cause disruption.

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Our goal is to take illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminal elements the means to cause disruption.

Mr. Effanga of INEC commended the NDLEA for its past support and professionalism during previous elections. He acknowledged that the agency's efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking have been instrumental in reducing drug-induced violence, which can undermine peaceful electoral processes. Effanga appealed for continued collaboration between INEC and the NDLEA for future elections, recognizing substance abuse as a major trigger for electoral violence.

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Nigerians deserve peaceful and credible elections, and NDLEA will continue to play its part in ensuring that objective is achieved.

In a separate engagement, Ofoyeju also met with representatives from the Faculty of Peace Organisation. He pledged the NDLEA's support for initiatives focused on drug abuse prevention, education, and advocacy, stressing the need for collective action and stronger partnerships to build a drug-free society and protect young people.

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NDLEA’s efforts in tackling drug abuse and trafficking have contributed significantly to reducing incidents of drug-induced violence capable of undermining peaceful electoral processes.