NDLEA and Army Destroy Cannabis Farms, Arrest Two Men in Edo

A joint operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, and the Nigerian Army has destroyed two cannabis farms covering 0.544092 hectares. The farms had an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis.

The team also destroyed 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, at Eko Camp, Illushi, in the Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, shared this in a statement on Monday. He said the operation took place on September 23, 2026.

Two men were arrested during the operation. They are Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe. Both suspects are from the Esan South-East Local Government Area.

Ofoyeju noted that the suspects said poverty and bad company pushed them into cannabis farming. He explained that Egwuda was found with a cannabis farm of 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg. Ajodhe had a larger plantation of 0.476081 hectares, yielding an estimated 1,190.20kg.

Ofoyeju said, "Together, the two farms measured 0.544092 hectares, yielding a combined total of 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa. In addition, 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, were recovered at the farm."

He described the operation as part of efforts to fight drug abuse and trafficking in the state. He added, "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."

Ofoyeju stated that they are using intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement, and decisive enforcement in this campaign. He expressed the commitment of the command to tackle the drug issue in the state.

He emphasized that they will keep working with the military and other partners to break down drug networks. He said, "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."

Ofoyeju thanked Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, the Commanding Officer of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, for supporting drug enforcement efforts in the state. He mentioned that the command would strengthen its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other security agencies in Esan South-East and surrounding areas.

He also urged residents to provide information that could help arrest other members of the cannabis networks.