In a bold move to clamp down on rising drug smuggling through airports, the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has partnered with the management of Benin Airport to initiate full-scale anti-narcotic operations.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, NDLEA State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the initiative aims to make the airport and the entire state hostile to drug cartels. He stressed the strategic importance of Benin Airport in Nigeria’s transportation network, adding that drug trafficking through air, land, and waterways must be intercepted.
Ofoyeju said the partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is vital in tightening security and preventing illicit drug movement. He emphasized that a consistent NDLEA presence at the airport will ensure thorough screening processes, helping to intercept illegal substances before reaching end users.
“Drug trafficking is a major threat to the safety, health, and socio-economic well-being of our people. We are determined to disrupt every route traffickers use and to enlighten the public on the dangers of drug abuse,” Ofoyeju stated.
He noted that apart from enforcement, the agency is expanding its reach through public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation efforts, and exposing drug production sites including cannabis farms and illegal meth labs.
On his part, Akinbinu Felix, General Manager of FAAN, Benin, praised the collaboration, reaffirming FAAN’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking at the airport.
“The fight against drug trafficking demands collective effort. We are fully aligned with the NDLEA to keep Benin Airport clean and secure,” he said.
With this new development, authorities hope to curb trafficking and promote a safer, drug-free environment across Edo State.
