NDLEA Edo State Command and Nigerian Army operatives conducted a joint operation in Esan South East Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of two men accused of cultivating cannabis. Nonso Ajodhe, a father of five, and Ajeh Egwuda, a father of two, were detained on September 23, 2026, during a raid at Eko Camp, Illushi, as confirmed by Mitchell Ofoyeju, spokesperson for the NDLEA. The suspects, both residents of the area, allegedly turned to cannabis farming due to poverty and peer influence, according to Ofoyeju’s statement. The operation led to the destruction of two cannabis plantations totaling 0.544092 hectares, with an estimated yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis, alongside 107kg of processed cannabis and seeds recovered.
Ofoyeju detailed the scale of the seizures, noting Ajeh Egwuda’s farm measured 0.068011 hectares, yielding 170.03kg, while Nonso Ajodhe’s larger plot of 0.476081 hectares was estimated to produce 1,190.20kg. The spokesperson emphasized the operation’s significance in combating drug trafficking, stating it demonstrated the NDLEA’s commitment to safeguarding communities. He highlighted the agency’s strategy of integrating intelligence-driven surveillance, community engagement, and enforcement to eradicate cannabis cultivation. Ofoyeju also acknowledged the collaboration with the Nigeria Army, specifically thanking Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun for his support, and pledged continued partnerships with traditional leaders and security agencies to dismantle drug networks.
The arrests underscore the ongoing challenges of drug-related crimes in Edo State, where cannabis cultivation has been linked to economic hardship and social destabilization. Ofoyeju reiterated the NDLEA’s warning to individuals exploiting farmlands for illicit activities, stating the agency would not relent in its efforts. The operation also aligns with broader national initiatives to curb drug trafficking, as seen in parallel actions by security forces in other regions, such as the recent rescue of kidnap victims in Sokoto and Zamfara. The NDLEA urged residents to report information on cannabis networks to aid in further enforcement.
The case highlights the intersection of poverty, criminal activity, and law enforcement responses in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse. With cannabis cultivation posing risks to public health and community stability, the NDLEA’s actions reflect a broader push to address root causes while enforcing legal measures. Ofoyeju’s statement emphasized the need for collective action, urging citizens to support efforts to eliminate drug-related threats. The agency’s focus on intelligence and community collaboration signals a strategic shift toward sustainable solutions, balancing enforcement with social intervention to mitigate the spread of illicit drug activities in Edo and beyond.