NDLEA Edo State Command Busts Cannabis Farm, Arrests Five Suspects

Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command have successfully apprehended five suspects and dismantled a sizeable cannabis plantation during coordinated raids across the state. These operations highlight the agency’s relentless efforts to curb drug abuse and promote public safety within Edo State.

According to a statement released on Monday by the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the enforcement activities were conducted with precision and determination. The commander emphasized that these actions demonstrate the agency's unwavering dedication to combating illicit drug activities and ensuring a safer society for all citizens.

On August 18, 2026, a specialised NDLEA team from the state headquarters executed a raid in the Ukaro Forest, located in the Owan West Local Government Area. During this operation, three male suspects were arrested: Imohimi Ugbeje, aged 50; Usihoro Saturday, aged 27; and Bala Sunday, aged 23. These arrests followed intelligence reports that led the team to the cannabis plantation.

The agency uncovered a cannabis farm covering approximately 0.496 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,240.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa plants. The plantation was swiftly destroyed to prevent further cultivation and distribution.

In addition to destroying the farm, the NDLEA seized tangible evidence including a sample of cannabis plant stems and half a bag of processed cannabis weighing 5.5 kilograms. These seizures are critical in the agency’s ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the region.

Further investigations and operations resulted in the arrests of two additional suspects connected to the drug activities, bringing the total number of detainees to five. These individuals are currently in custody and will face prosecution under Nigerian drug laws.

The NDLEA Edo State Commander reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement activities to dismantle drug supply chains. He appealed to members of the public to cooperate by providing information that can aid in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

These recent successes not only reinforce the NDLEA’s role as a key player in Nigeria’s drug control efforts but also underscore the importance of community collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by narcotics. Edo State’s proactive stance serves as a model for other regions battling similar drug-related issues.

As the NDLEA continues its mandate, it remains focused on protecting vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of drug abuse while upholding the rule of law. The eradication of this cannabis farm and the arrest of the suspects mark a significant milestone in the agency’s ongoing campaign to eliminate illicit drugs from Edo State.