NDLEA, Army destroy cannabis farms, arrest 2 suspects in Edo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, in collaboration with military personnel, have destroyed two cannabis plantations measuring 0.544092 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis.

The joint operation also led to the recovery of 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, at Eko Camp, Illushi, in Esan South East Local Government, Edo State.

The operation, carried out on September 23, 2026, also resulted in the arrest of two male suspects identified as Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe.

The Edo State Commander, NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the operation underscored the command’s commitment to combating illicit cannabis cultivation, drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

Ofoyeju warned those using forests and farmlands as bases for criminal activities to desist, saying the command would sustain intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement and decisive enforcement to eradicate cannabis cultivation in the state.

He said: “Let this operation serve as a strong warning to those who see our forests and farmlands as bases for criminal enterprise. The NDLEA Edo State Command will not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of our communities.

“We are combining intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement, and decisive enforcement in this campaign.”

According to the command, Egwuda was found cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg, while Ajodhe was cultivating a larger plot measuring 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg.

The two plantations therefore had a combined estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa.

The suspects, who are both from Esan South East Local Government Area, reportedly told NDLEA operatives that they took to cannabis cultivation because of poverty and the negative influence of friends.

Ofoyeju said the operation demonstrated the command’s determination to protect communities from the consequences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He added: “This operation is not just a show of our capability but also reflects our unwavering determination to protect our communities from the harms of drug abuse and trafficking.

“We will continue to collaborate with the armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of these illicit substances on our society.”

The NDLEA commander commended the Commanding Officer, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting the agency’s drug enforcement efforts in Edo State.

He said the command would further strengthen its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders and sister security agencies in Esan South East and other affected areas.

Ofoyeju also appealed to residents to provide timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking down other members of the cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.

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