NDLEA Destroys Over 51 Hectares Of Cannabis Farms, Arrests 281 Suspects In Ekiti Crackdown

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis plantations and arrested 281 suspects linked to drug trafficking, peddling and substance abuse across Ekiti State over the past year.

The Ekiti State Commander of the NDLEA, Rufus Aina, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day, observed annually on June 26.

This year’s theme is “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

According to Aina, the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while several other cases are still pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

He described the widespread cultivation of cannabis in several communities across the state as a major concern, warning that illegal drug production, trafficking and abuse contribute to criminal activities, insecurity, school dropouts, substance addiction and the destruction of communities and forest reserves.

Aina also highlighted emerging threats, including the abuse of synthetic drugs, misuse of prescription medications and the use of digital platforms for drug trafficking, stressing that tackling these challenges requires collective action beyond law enforcement.

He said:

“Drug abuse still remains a major public health and security concern. It destroys lives, weakens families, fuels crime, and undermines national development.”

The NDLEA commander revealed that over the past year, the command carried out 76 advocacy rallies and awareness campaigns, hosted 15 radio and television enlightenment programmes, and successfully counselled 87 drug users.

He added that the command recovered various illicit drugs weighing a total of 6,337.517 kilograms.

Aina also disclosed that the command secured a 20-year prison sentence against one Osho Akindele, who was arrested with different illicit substances.

He further revealed the arrest of two elderly suspects—78-year-old Ogunjobi Samuel from Ilupeju-Ekiti and 80-year-old Oke Samuel from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti—for allegedly possessing and dealing in illicit drugs.

The commander commended Biodun Oyebanji for supporting the agency’s anti-drug campaign and praised the governor’s wife, Olayemi Oyebanji, for her contributions to public awareness and community sensitisation.

He also appreciated other security agencies, non-governmental organisations, members of the National Youth Service Corps Drug Free Community Development Service, students and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation for supporting the fight against drug abuse.

Aina urged residents of the state to work together in addressing drug-related challenges and adopt innovative approaches to build a safer and healthier society.