Operatives of Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have destroyed over 18,000 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in one operation targeting cannabis cultivators in the state.
The raid took place on September 11, 2025, at Ugbogui Forest, located in the Ovia South West local government area of the State.
NDLEA Commander in the State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated this on Monday while briefing on the recent dislodgement of the cannabis plantation cell, warning that cannabis cultivation constitutes a serious threat to food security in the state.
According to Ofoyeju, “The massive cannabis farm destruction operation, which was based on actionable intelligence is posing a serious threat to food security. If these forests can be utilised only for the cultivation of food and cash crops, the challenge of food shortage will be adequately addressed.
“This operation obviously underscores the agency’s commitment to combatting drug cultivation in the State, thereby reinforcing our efforts to rid our communities of the dangers posed by illicit drugs.”
The Commander stressed that Edo State Command has taken a bold step to cut off the illicit supply of the outlawed substance with the destruction of a vast Cannabis sativa plantation spanning approximately 6.79 hectares, with an estimated yield of over 16,966 kilograms.
“At the farm, we successfully recovered one hundred and twelve bags of harvested and processed cannabis weighing 1,176 kilograms in the farm,” Mitchell stated.
He added that four male suspects linked to the cannabis plantation were apprehended during the operation while taking refuge at their tents located within the farm.
The NDLEA commander assured that investigations were underway, and the suspects expected to face charges in court soon.
He also called on members of the public to continue providing intelligence to assist in the fight against drug-related crimes.
