A joint operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, and military personnel has resulted in the destruction of two cannabis plantations in Eko Camp, Illushi, in the Esan South East Local Government Area. The plantations measured 0.544092 hectares and had an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis. The operation, which took place on September 23, 2026, was carried out to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.
According to Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA Edo State Commander, the operation was a demonstration of the agency's commitment to eradicating cannabis cultivation in the state. He stated that the NDLEA would not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of their communities. The agency is using intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement, and decisive enforcement to achieve this goal.
During the operation, two male suspects were apprehended. They are Ajeh Egwuda, 43 years old, and Nonso Ajodhe. Both suspects are from the Esan South East Local Government Area and claimed to have taken to cannabis cultivation due to poverty and the negative influence of friends. Ajeh was found to be cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, estimated to yield approximately 170.03 kg of cannabis.
Nonso was found with a larger plot of 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20 kg. Together, the two farms measured 0.544092 hectares, yielding a combined total of 1,360.23 kg of cannabis sativa. In addition to the cannabis plants, 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, was recovered at the farm.
Commander Mitchell expressed his commitment to addressing the drug problem in the state. He stated that the operation was not just a show of capability but also a reflection of the agency's determination to protect communities from the harms of drug abuse and trafficking. The NDLEA will continue to collaborate with armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks.
The Commander thanked the Commanding Officer, Nigeria Army 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting drug enforcement efforts in the state. He stressed that the Command would intensify its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders, and sister security agencies in Esan South East and other affected areas.
The NDLEA has appealed to residents to provide timely information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the cannabis networks. The agency's efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State are ongoing, with a focus on addressing the root causes of cannabis cultivation and engaging with local communities to prevent the spread of illicit substances.
Key points
- The NDLEA Edo State Command destroyed two cannabis plantations measuring 0.544092 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg.
- Two suspects, Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, were apprehended during the operation.
- The NDLEA will continue to collaborate with armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks in Edo State.
