NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Plantations, Seizes 107kg Processed Drug In Edo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, working with the Nigerian Army, have destroyed two cannabis plantations measuring 0.544092 hectares in Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

The plantations, located at Eko Camp, Illushi, were estimated to contain 1,360.23kg of cannabis, while the joint operation also led to the recovery of 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds.

Two male suspects were arrested during the operation conducted on September 23, 2026, in connection with the cultivation and processing of the illicit drug.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the operation demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to dismantle cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking networks across the state.

The suspects were identified as 43-year-old Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, both from Esan South East Local Government Area. They reportedly admitted cultivating cannabis, citing poverty and negative peer influence.

According to the NDLEA, Egwuda was found cultivating a 0.068011-hectare plantation estimated to yield 170.03kg of cannabis, while Ajodhe’s 0.476081-hectare plantation was estimated to yield 1,190.20kg.

Ofoyeju said the two plantations had a combined estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa, while an additional 107kg of processed cannabis, including seeds, was recovered during the operation.

He warned individuals using forests and farmlands for illicit activities to desist, stressing that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement and enforcement operations.

The commander said the operation demonstrated the agency’s operational capability and determination to protect communities from the consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.

Ofoyeju commended the Commanding Officer, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting the operation and pledged continued collaboration with the military and other stakeholders to dismantle illicit drug networks.

He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Esan South East and other affected areas to provide timely information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending other members of cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.