Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has appointed Mitchell Ofoyeju as the new Commander for the Edo State Command.
Ofoyefu who was the Commander of Tincan Island Port, Lagos took over from the immediate past commander of the State Allumona Callys.
A statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Benin City, said the redeployment of Mitchell to the Edo State Command is part of a broader restructuring aimed at enhancing the agency’s operational efficiency.
According to the statement, Commander Mitchell’s mandate is to combat illicit cannabis cultivation, drug trafficking and drug-related crimes.
“The mandate of the Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa-led administration is to enforce zero tolerance for illicit drug production and trafficking. In total compliance with the operational order, we are cracking down on cannabis cultivators and drug traffickers in the state”, he said.
He, however, warned that the Command would not watch drug criminals to exploit the State and destroy lives.
He also warned drug trafficking cartels to quit the criminal act or face imminent arrest and prosecution.
Ofoyefu noted that drugs are inextricably linked to crime and emphasised his commitment to tackling the drug problem in Edo State.
“Drugs are fundamentally connected to criminal activity and pose serious risks to society. As experts in drug control, we have a responsibility to safeguard members of the public, especially the youths, from the harmful consequences of drugs.
“Effective drug control will not only secure the future of our young ones but will also prevent crime rates in the state.
“We are committed to advancing the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign initiative of Gen Buba Marwa through supply control and demand reduction,” he added.
The statement added that Commander Ofoyeju, who expressed delight in his new appointment, has been instrumental in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse at the Tincan Island Port Strategic Command.
It posited that under his leadership, the Tincan Command seen a remarkable increase in successful interceptions and seizures of controlled substances, as well as heightened community engagement initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
It stated that the experience and leadership skills of Commander Mitchell would further advance the agency’s mission and mandate in Edo State.
“Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju is a seasoned and astute officer with a wealth of experience in media relations, drug law enforcement, and drug demand reduction.
He is a graduate of mass communication and also holds a master’s degree in marketing from Benue State University.
“Some prominent positions he held in the past include the Agency’s spokesperson, principal staff officer, chairman, chief executive officer’s office, and assistant director of planning.
“He has undertaken numerous specialised security trainings both within and outside the country on investigation techniques, cross-border trafficking, and human rights protection, as well as transparency and good governance, among others. Some of his publications include The Last Syndicate and A Dance Against Taboo,” it added.
He, however, called on members of the public to cooperate with the Agency in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, noting that the agency need the support of all citizens in this all-important.
