A joint operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and military personnel in Edo state, Nigeria, has resulted in the destruction of two cannabis plantations. The destroyed farms measured 0.544092 hectares and had an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis. The operation, which took place on September 23, 2026, also led to the seizure of 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds.
The NDLEA Edo State Command, led by Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, carried out the operation in Eko Camp, Illushi, located in the Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state. Two male suspects, Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, were apprehended during the operation. Both suspects are from the Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state. According to Ofoyeju, the suspects claimed they turned to cannabis cultivation due to poverty and the negative influence of friends.
The cannabis farms belonged to the two arrested suspects, with Ajeh cultivating a farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, estimated to yield approximately 170.03kg of cannabis. Nonso had a larger plot measuring 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg. The combined total of the two farms was 0.544092 hectares, yielding 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa. The operation highlights the NDLEA's commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Edo state.
The NDLEA Edo State Command has vowed to continue its efforts to eradicate cannabis cultivation in the state. Commander Ofoyeju stated that the command will not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of their communities. The operation was a collaboration between the NDLEA and the Nigeria Army 4 Brigade, with the commanding officer, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, supporting the drug enforcement efforts.
The NDLEA plans to intensify its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders, and sister security agencies in Esan South-East and other affected areas. The command also appealed to residents to provide timely information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the cannabis networks. This move aims to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of illicit substances on society.
The NDLEA Edo State Command's efforts to address the drug problem in the state have been commended. Commander Ofoyeju expressed his gratitude to Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun for his support and emphasized the command's commitment to protecting communities from the harms of drug abuse and trafficking. The NDLEA will continue to work with stakeholders to combat drug-related crimes.
The destruction of the cannabis farms and the arrest of the two suspects serve as a warning to those involved in criminal enterprises in the state. The NDLEA Edo State Command's relentless efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking reflect its determination to protect communities from the negative impacts of illicit substances.
Key points
- The NDLEA and military personnel destroyed 0.544092 hectares of cannabis farms with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg in Edo state.
- Two suspects, Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, were arrested during the operation.
- The NDLEA Edo State Command vowed to continue its efforts to eradicate cannabis cultivation in the state.
