The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has disclosed a significant offensive against drug cultivation, revealing that its command has destroyed a total of nine major cannabis farms since January 2025.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made this revelation on Wednesday during a working visit by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, to the agency’s office in Benin City. The meeting was aimed at strengthening collaborations to curb illicit cannabis cultivation and promote sustainable agriculture.
According to Ofoyeju, the operations have made a significant dent in the drug trade. He 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.” He emphasized the broader impact, noting, “This huge amount would have contributed immensely to reducing the problem of food insecurity in the state.”
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The commander also highlighted the agency's strategy beyond just destruction, which includes the prosecution of cultivators and pushing for the confiscation of land used for the illegal activity to serve as a stronger deterrent.
Commissioner Uwangue acknowledged the critical role of the NDLEA and stressed the need for a concerted effort. “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,” Uwangue said. He outlined their goal to “provide alternative livelihoods for farmers engaged in cannabis cultivation, thereby promoting food security and economic development.”
Ofoyeju detailed the NDLEA's comprehensive approach under the leadership of Brig. General Buba Marwa, which includes implementing an Alternative Development Programme. This programme is designed to dissuade farmers from cultivating cannabis by encouraging a switch to licit food and cash crops like cassava, maize, and cocoa.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both agencies to formalize a collaboration framework. This partnership will focus on identifying vulnerable communities, implementing farmer training programs, and strengthening legal frameworks to permanently tackle the root causes of cannabis cultivation in Edo State.
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