NDLEA operatives
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, have destroyed two cannabis plantations at Eko Camp, Illushi, in Esan South East Local Government Area.
The joint operation, executed on September 23, resulted in the destruction of 0.54 hectares of cannabis farmland with an estimated yield of 1,360.23 kilograms, as well as the recovery of 107 kilograms of processed cannabis and seeds. Two suspects were also arrested at the scene.
Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, NDLEA Commander in Edo State, disclosed details of the raid on Monday in Benin during an operational briefing.
According to Ofoyeju, the arrested suspects were identified as Ajeh Egwuda, 43, and Nonso Ajodhe, both residents of Esan South East LGA. Investigators revealed that Egwuda cultivated a 0.068-hectare farm with an estimated potential yield of 170.03kg of cannabis, while Ajodhe operated a larger 0.476-hectare plantation with an estimated yield of 1,190.20kg.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed that poverty and negative peer pressure drove them into illicit crop cultivation.
“Let this operation serve as a strong warning to those who see our forests and farmlands as bases for criminal enterprise,” Ofoyeju declared. “The NDLEA Edo State Command will not rest until cannabis cultivation is rooted out of our communities.”
The Edo NDLEA boss emphasized that the command is deploying a multi-pronged strategy combining intelligence-led surveillance, community engagement, and decisive tactical enforcement to dismantle drug networks.
He expressed appreciation to the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for providing military support during the raid, noting that inter-agency collaboration remains vital in combating organized drug trafficking.
Ofoyeju added that the NDLEA will deepen its partnerships with traditional rulers, local leaders, and sister security agencies across Esan South East and other affected areas. He urged members of the public to assist law enforcement by volunteering timely and credible intelligence to eliminate illicit drug operations across the state.
