Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, and military personnel have destroyed two cannabis plantations with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg in the state.
The operation also led to the destruction of 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, at Eko Camp, Illushi, in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The Edo NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the operation was carried out on September 23, 2026.
He said operatives arrested two suspects, Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, during the operation. Both suspects are from Esan South-East Local Government Area.
According to Ofoyeju, the suspects told investigators that poverty and negative peer influence led them into cannabis cultivation.
He said Ajeh was found cultivating a cannabis farm measuring 0.068011 hectares, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg.
Nonso, according to the commander, was found with a larger plantation measuring 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 stated.
The commander said the operation demonstrated the agency’s commitment to tackling 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,” he said.
Ofoyeju said the command was combining intelligence-led surveillance, community engagement and enforcement efforts to tackle cannabis cultivation 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,” he added.
He said the NDLEA would continue working with the military and other stakeholders to dismantle drug networks and reduce the impact of illicit substances on communities.
Ofoyeju also thanked the Commanding Officer, Nigeria Army 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for supporting drug enforcement operations in the state.
He said the command would strengthen its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders and other security agencies in Esan South-East and other affected areas.
The commander appealed to residents to provide timely information that could assist the authorities in identifying and arresting other members of cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.