The combined team of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and operatives of the Nigerian Army has raided a four-bedroom bungalow used as a cannabis warehouse in the state.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the NDLEA, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin City.

Ofoyeju said the warehouse, situated in a residential area, is located in the Illushi community, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

He said Ojore Onweze, 45, and George Agwumede, 30, were arrested in connection with the raid.

He said the two suspects were apprehended with 60 kilograms and over 13 kilograms of cannabis, respectively.

The Edo State NDLEA also said the seizure included 52 giant bags, three gallons of cannabis seeds and a bag of cannabis seeds.

He explained that 1,273kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds, totalling 1,359kg, were recovered from the warehouse.

According to him, during the raid on the four-bedroom bungalow, which was being used as a warehouse for storing large quantities of the illegal substance, skunk cannabis weighing 1,273kg and 86kg of cannabis seeds were seized and evacuated.

“In addition, cannabis seeds weighing 86kg were also found in the warehouse.

“Two suspected drug traffickers were apprehended. They are Ojore Onweze, a 45-year-old male caught in connection with 60kg of cannabis, and 30-year-old George Agwumede, nabbed with over 13kg of cannabis,” he stated.

Ofoyeju, however, expressed concern over the use of residential houses for warehousing narcotic drugs.

While describing the use of residential houses for stockpiling illicit drugs as dangerous and a trend that must be vehemently confronted by citizens, he opined that the enemies of the state must not be allowed to destroy our communities.

“We are pleased with the operational successes recorded because the quantity is massive and impressive. This raid is a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle the networks that seek to undermine our collective peace and safety.

“NDLEA’s recent successes reflect a broader initiative to involve stakeholders, including community leaders, in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. Children and other vulnerable groups must be protected.

“This fight is not just for the NDLEA; it is a collective responsibility. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army for the synergy and urge every citizen to take part in this campaign against drug abuse,” he added.

He said the investigation into the drug operation is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover connections and potential accomplices.

He assured that the command is resolute in its efforts to rid Edo State of the drug menace, adding that it would not relent until those responsible for trafficking and distributing illegal substances are brought to justice.

A serving officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, has been killed after gunmen attacked his residence in the Kurudu area of Abuja.

According to sources, the incident happened on Monday evening shortly after the senior military officer returned home from work.

The attackers were reportedly attempting to abduct either the officer or members of his household when the situation turned violent.

Colonel Ude was shot dead during the attack, while his wife, driver, and security guard suffered gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were rushed to a hospital, where they are receiving medical attention.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, and the motive behind the attack has not been officially confirmed.

Security agencies, alongside military authorities, have launched investigations to track down those responsible for the killing.

Colonel Ude, an indigene of Enugu State, served in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and occupied several key intelligence and counter-terrorism positions during his years of service.

He was involved in military operations against insurgents in the North-East and also undertook international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, where he supported intelligence and security cooperation initiatives.

Colleagues reportedly described him as a committed and highly professional officer.

As of the time this report was filed, the Nigerian Army had not released an official statement on the incident, while investigations remain ongoing.

Suspected bandits have renewed attacks on several communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing five people, injuring several others and forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes over the past month.

The attackers are reported to have taken control of communities including Kunini, Jimlari, Garin-Magaji, Donnada and Garin-Dogo, where residents say kidnappings and violent attacks have become frequent.

Among those abducted was the village head of Garin-Magaji, Jauro Tace, who was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint and later released after a ransom was allegedly paid.

Residents said the five victims were killed in separate attacks carried out between June 30 and July 27, 2026, mostly during kidnapping attempts.

DAILY POST visited the affected communities and confirmed that hundreds of residents, particularly Fulani families, have fled their settlements and are now taking refuge in Garin-Dogo, the headquarters of Garin-Dogo Ward.

Displaced persons, mainly women and children, said they fled Ruga Alhaji-Kadiri, Ruga Alhaji-Adamu and Ruga Alhaji-Kamuwa to avoid further attacks by the bandits.

Many of the displaced families were seen sheltering at the residence of the Legislative Leader of Lau Local Government Council, Dauda.

Speaking, a resident, Joseph Mustafa, said fear has gripped the entire local government area, with many people unable to sleep peacefully because of the renewed insecurity.

“Nobody in Lau sleeps with both eyes closed anymore because of the activities of the bandits,” Mustafa said.

Expressing concern over the resurgence of the attacks, he recalled that shortly after assuming office, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas had significantly reduced banditry in the area.

Efforts to reach the Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Peter Julius, for comment were unsuccessful.

However, a senior government official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, told DAILY POST that the renewed attacks had forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.

“The activities of the bandits have chased farmers away from their communities. There is the likelihood of hunger if the security agencies do not address the situation urgently,” the official said.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, where two victims of the attacks, Musa Umar and Alhaji Abdul Biro, are receiving treatment.

The victims, who were attacked by the gunmen in Bumanda village in Jimlari community, said the assailants were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, making it difficult for residents to resist them.

Residents have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify operations in the affected communities to restore peace and enable displaced villagers to return to their homes.