Nine cannabis farms destroyed since January in Edo, says commander

THE Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, on Wednesday said the command had destroyed nine cannabis farms in the state since January.

He disclosed this during a working visit by the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, to the NDLEA office in Benin City.

Ofoyeju noted that the Edo State Government and the NDLEA were strengthening strategies to curb cannabis cultivation, while also discussing drug control measures aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

He said the meeting focused on potential collaborations between both agencies, including the adoption of Alternative Development Programmes and strategies for confiscating land used for cannabis cultivation.

Ofoyeju stated, *“We have carried out nine major cannabis farm destruction operations covering 77.5122197 hectares with an estimated yield of 193,491.1kg since January 2025.

“This huge amount would have contributed immensely to reducing the problem of food insecurity in the state. In addition to the prosecution of cannabis cultivators, it will equally serve as a deterrent if such land is confiscated by the government.”

Uwangue acknowledged the critical role of the NDLEA in combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. He stressed the importance of collaboration between agricultural and law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing challenge of illegal drug cultivation.

He added, “The fight against drug cultivation and trafficking is not just the responsibility of law enforcement; it requires a concerted effort that includes sustainable agricultural practices.

“Our aim is to provide alternative livelihoods for farmers engaged in cannabis cultivation, thereby promoting food security and economic development in the state.”

Ofoyeju said cannabis cultivation remains a criminal offence and the NDLEA is adopting a comprehensive approach to eradicate it.

“Besides law enforcement measures, the agency under the leadership of Brig. General Buba Marwa is implementing the Alternative Development Programme of dissuading cannabis cultivators from abandoning cannabis for licit food and cash crops,” he stated.

He added that collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture would help create viable alternatives that discourage illegal activities and empower farmers.

Key topics discussed included identifying vulnerable farming communities, implementing training programmes to educate farmers on sustainable and profitable crops, and strengthening legal frameworks for the confiscation of land used for illegal drug cultivation.

The promotion of crops such as cassava, maize, cocoa and vegetables—crops that are in high demand—is part of the effort to build resilience among farmers and deter illicit production.

The meeting ended with a commitment to formalise a collaboration framework, with both officials expressing optimism about its potential impact on Edo State’s agricultural sector and community welfare.

PUNCH Metro reports that the Edo NDLEA recently seized two abandoned vehicles belonging to a drug trafficking cartel and used to convey 1,455kg of cannabis along the Okhokho-Isi Community Road in the Uhunmwode Local Government Area.

The seizure occurred on October 29, 2025, at about 3:00 am when officers intercepted the vehicles suspected of transporting a large quantity of narcotics.

Aside from seizures, the NDLEA has also secured the conviction of several drug barons in the state and continues to organise sensitisation programmes to discourage illicit drug use.