The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, in collaboration with military personnel, has destroyed two cannabis farms covering 0.544092 hectares in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The two 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 carried out on September 23, 2026.
He said two suspects, 43-year-old Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, were arrested during the operation. Both suspects are residents of Esan South-East Local Government Area.
According to Ofoyeju, the suspects attributed their involvement in cannabis cultivation to financial hardship and peer influence.
He said Egwuda was arrested on a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg, while Ajodhe was found on a larger plantation covering 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg.
“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.
The commander described the operation as part of the command’s efforts to curb illicit cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking across Edo State.
He warned individuals using forests and farmlands for illegal drug-related activities, saying the command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement and enforcement operations to tackle cannabis cultivation.
Ofoyeju said the NDLEA would continue collaborating with the military and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the effects of illicit drug activities on communities.
He commended the Commanding Officer of the Nigeria Army 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting the operation.
The commander also said the NDLEA would strengthen its collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and other security agencies in Esan South-East and other areas affected by cannabis cultivation.
He urged residents to provide timely information to security agencies that could assist in identifying and apprehending individuals allegedly involved in cannabis cultivation and trafficking.