NDLEA and Army destroy cannabis plantations in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Army have destroyed two cannabis plantations in Edo State, with a combined estimated yield of 1,360.23kg. Officials also destroyed 107kg of processed cannabis and arrested two men during the operation in Illushi, Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Army have destroyed two cannabis plantations in Edo State and arrested two suspects during a joint operation in Illushi. Edo NDLEA commander Mitchell Ofoyeju said the operation took place on September 23, 2026, at Eko Camp in Esan South-East Local Government Area. The two plantations covered 0.544092 hectares and had an estimated combined yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis sativa.
The agency also destroyed 107kg of processed cannabis, including cannabis seeds, recovered at the site. The suspects were identified as Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, both from Esan South-East. Ofoyeju said Egwuda was found cultivating a 0.068011-hectare farm with an estimated yield of 170.03kg.
Ajodhe was allegedly found with a larger plantation measuring 0.476081 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg. The commander said the suspects attributed their involvement in cannabis cultivation to poverty and negative peer influence. He described the operation as part of the command’s campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
Ofoyeju said the NDLEA would combine intelligence-led surveillance, community engagement and enforcement. He thanked the Army’s 4 Brigade for its support and said cooperation with traditional rulers, community leaders and other security agencies would be intensified. He appealed to residents to provide information that could help security agencies identify and arrest other members of cannabis networks.
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