Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army, have destroyed two cannabis plantations and arrested two suspects in Eko Camp, Illushi, in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The operation, carried out on September 23, 2026, resulted in the destruction of cannabis farms measuring a combined 0.544092 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,360.23 kilogrammes of cannabis. An additional 107 kilogrammes of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, was also destroyed, according to the NDLEA.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, identified the suspects as 43-year-old Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe. Both suspects are from Esan South-East Local Government Area.
Ofoyeju said Egwuda was found cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of about 170.03 kilogrammes, while Ajodhe was allegedly cultivating a larger plot measuring 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20 kilogrammes.
The commander said the suspects attributed their involvement in cannabis cultivation to poverty and the influence of friends. Their claims are part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged cultivation activities.
Ofoyeju described the operation as part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to curb cannabis cultivation and trafficking in Edo State.
He warned individuals who use forests and farmlands for illicit drug cultivation that the agency would continue to target such operations, adding that the NDLEA would strengthen surveillance and cooperation with the military, traditional rulers and community leaders.
The commander also appealed to residents of affected communities to provide security agencies with timely information that could assist in identifying other persons allegedly involved in cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.
The NDLEA said it would continue collaborating with the Nigerian Army and other stakeholders to disrupt illicit drug production and trafficking across the state.
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