Thursday, November 20, 2025 - The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it destroyed cannabis farms covering 77.512,2197 hectares with an estimated yield of 193,491.1kg since January 2025.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency,
disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin City during a meeting with the Edo State
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Jerry Uwangue.
Ofoyeju, who called for the confiscation of the affected
farmlands by the state government, said the lands would have contributed
immensely to easing food insecurity in the state if they had been properly
utilised.
He added that the prosecution of cannabis cultivators would
serve as a deterrent to others and guide future farmers away from illicit
crops.
He said these actions form part of the agency’s strategies
to address the problem of cannabis cultivation in the state and to strengthen
drug control measures aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Ofoyeju disclosed that the destruction was carried out across nine cannabis
farms since January 2025.
While underscoring the NDLEA’s commitment to rid the state
of illegal drugs, he acknowledged the promise of Alternative Development
programmes.
“Cannabis cultivation is criminal, and the Agency is
adopting a comprehensive approach in tackling the problem. Besides law
enforcement measures, the Agency under the leadership of Brig. General Buba
Marwa is implementing the Alternative Development programme which encourages
cannabis cultivators to abandon the plant for licit food and cash crops.
“By working together with the Ministry of Agriculture, we can create viable
alternatives that discourage illegal activities and empower our farmers”, he
said.
Ofoyeju said key issues discussed during the meeting
included identifying vulnerable farming communities and implementing training
programmes to educate farmers about sustainable and profitable crops.
“We also addressed the legal frameworks required for the
confiscation and the forfeiture of land used for illegal drug cultivation.
“With the promotion of crops such as cassava, maize, cocoa
and vegetables that are in high demand, the initiative aims to foster
resilience among local farmers and deter illicit drug production”, he stated.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security
acknowledged the critical role the NDLEA plays in combating drug abuse and
illicit drug trafficking in the state.
Uwangue emphasized the importance of a collaborative
approach between agricultural and law enforcement agencies to address the
growing challenge of illegal drug cultivation.
“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,” he stated.
0 Comments