NDLEA, Army Destroy Cannabis Farms, Arrest Two Suspects in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, and the Nigerian Army have destroyed two cannabis plantations 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 farms with a combined estimated yield of about 1,360.23 kilogrammes of cannabis, according to the NDLEA.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said operatives also destroyed about 107 kilogrammes of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, during the operation. Two male suspects, identified as 43-year-old Ajeh Egwuda and Nonso Ajodhe, were arrested in connection with the cultivation activities.

According to the agency, Egwuda was allegedly found cultivating a plantation measuring about 0.068 hectares, with an estimated yield of 170.03kg, while Ajodhe was allegedly linked to a larger plantation measuring approximately 0.476 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg. The combined figures from the two plantations amounted to more than 1.36 tonnes of estimated cannabis yield.

The NDLEA commander said the suspects attributed their involvement to financial difficulties and negative influence from friends. The agency said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to disrupt cannabis cultivation and other illicit drug activities in Edo State, while also working with the military and other security agencies.

Ofoyeju warned people involved in cultivating cannabis that the agency would continue its enforcement activities across the state. He also called on residents, traditional rulers and community leaders to provide information that could assist authorities in identifying other people allegedly involved in illicit drug networks. The two suspects remain subject to investigation, with further legal action expected to depend on the outcome of the case.