A joint operation involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Edo State Command, and military personnel has resulted in the destruction of two cannabis farms covering 0.544092 hectares in Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The plantations were estimated to have a combined yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis, while an additional 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, was also destroyed at Eko Camp in Illushi.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the operation was conducted on September 23, 2026.
According to him, two men, Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, were arrested during the operation. Both suspects are residents of Esan South-East Local Government Area.
Ofoyeju said the suspects attributed their involvement in cannabis cultivation to financial hardship and the influence of friends.
He explained that Ajeh was arrested on a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg, while Nonso was found cultivating a larger plantation covering 0.476081 hectares, estimated to produce 1,190.20kg of cannabis.
“Together, the two farms measured 0.544092 hectares, yielding a combined total of 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa. In addition, processed cannabis recovered at the farm includes 107kg, including cannabis seeds,” Ofoyeju said.
He described the operation as another demonstration of the command’s efforts to curb illicit drug cultivation and trafficking across Edo State.
“The operation underscores the relentless commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.
“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,” he said.
Ofoyeju said the command remained determined to tackle the state’s drug problem, noting that the operation demonstrated its resolve to protect communities from the consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.
“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 armed forces and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of these illicit substances on our society,” he added.
The commander commended the Commanding Officer of the Nigeria Army 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting the drug enforcement operation.
He said the command would strengthen its collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and other security agencies in Esan South-East and other areas affected by cannabis cultivation.
Ofoyeju also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with timely information that could assist in identifying and apprehending other individuals allegedly involved in cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.
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