The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed two cannabis plantations and arrested two suspects with 1,467kg of illicit drugs in the state. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, took place on September 23, 2026, in an effort to curb illicit drug cultivation in the state. The NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that the two farms, located in Eko Camp, Illushi, in the Esan South East Local Government Area, measured 0.544092 hectares.
According to Ofoyeju, the farms had an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis and 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds. The two male suspects, Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, were apprehended during the operation. They hail from the Esan South East Local Government Area of the state and were found to be involved in cannabis cultivation. Ofoyeju stated that the suspects attributed their involvement in cannabis cultivation to poverty and the negative influence of friends.
Further details revealed that Ajeh Egwuda was cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, estimated to yield approximately 170.03kg of cannabis. Nonso Ajodhe, on the other hand, had a larger plot of 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg. The combined total of the two farms was 1,360.23kg of Cannabis sativa. In addition to the cannabis, 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, were recovered from the farms.
The NDLEA Commander appealed to residents to provide timely information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the cannabis networks. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in the fight against illicit drug cultivation and distribution. The destruction of the farms and the arrest of the suspects demonstrate the agency's commitment to curbing the menace of illicit drugs in the state.
The NDLEA's operation is part of a broader effort to address the issue of illicit drug cultivation and distribution in Nigeria. The agency has been working to identify and dismantle cannabis farms and arrest those involved in the illicit trade. The Edo State Command's success in destroying the two farms and arresting the suspects is a significant step in this direction.
The suspects, Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, are currently in custody and are expected to face charges for their involvement in cannabis cultivation. Their arrest and the destruction of the farms serve as a warning to others involved in illicit drug activities in the state. The NDLEA will continue to work with the Nigerian Army and other stakeholders to combat illicit drug cultivation and distribution.
The NDLEA's efforts to curb illicit drug cultivation and distribution have been ongoing, with various operations conducted across the country. The agency's commitment to addressing the issue of illicit drugs is evident in its continued efforts to identify and dismantle cannabis farms and arrest those involved. The destruction of the two farms and the arrest of the suspects in Edo State are a testament to this commitment.
Key points
- NDLEA destroys 2 cannabis farms in Edo, arrests 2 suspects with 1,467kg of illicit drugs
- The farms, located in Eko Camp, Illushi, had an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis
- The suspects attributed their involvement in cannabis cultivation to poverty and the negative influence of friends
