The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a massive cannabis plantation weighing over 18,000 kilogrammes and arrested four suspects during a raid at Ugbogui Forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place on Thursday, September 11, was based on actionable intelligence and led to the destruction of a 6.79-hectare cannabis farm. NDLEA operatives also seized 120 bags of harvested and processed cannabis, weighing approximately 1,176 kilogrammes.
In a statement, the State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju raised concerns over the misuse of agricultural land for illicit drug cultivation, describing it as a growing threat to food security.
“The massive cannabis farm destruction operation 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,” Ofoyeju said.
The four suspects arrested at the scene were said to be found hiding in tents within the plantation.
They were identified as, Ebenizer Wang, 48, from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Oshare John, 45, from Ughelli South, Delta State, Emmanuel Monday, 29, from Eket, Akwa Ibom State, and David Sunday, 30, from Ugad, Akwa Ibom State
Ofoyeju confirmed that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be prosecuted. He also called on the public to continue supporting the agency’s efforts by providing credible intelligence.
This operation comes just months after a similar bust in Cross River State, where the NDLEA destroyed 30 hectares of cannabis farmland in Odukpani Local Government Area. That raid also led to several arrests, with the state’s commander, Rachel Umebuali, decrying local support for drug traffickers.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to curbing drug-related crimes and protecting public health and safety across Nigeria.