NDLEA destroys 51 hectares of cannabis, arrests 281 suspects in Ekiti

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in illicit drug trafficking, peddling and abuse across Ekiti State in the past year.

The Ekiti State Commander of the agency, Rufus Aina, disclosed this on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day.

He said the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

World Drug Day is celebrated annually on June 26. The theme for the 2026 edition is, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Aina described the large-scale cultivation of cannabis in several communities across the state as a major challenge.

He said, “In Ekiti State, the challenge is particularly significant due to the illicit cultivation of cannabis sativa in commercial quantities in many of the local governments and communities.

“While some may view cannabis cultivation as a source of income, its illegal production, trafficking, peddling and usage have far-reaching consequences, including criminality, insecurity, school dropouts, substance dependence, and the destruction of livelihoods, forest reserves and communities.

“While longstanding issues such as drug trafficking, substance dependence and organised criminal networks persist, new threats continue to emerge, driven by changing drug markets, technological advancements and the proliferation of novel psychoactive substances.

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

“Today, new threats such as synthetic drugs, the misuse of prescription medicines, and the use of digital platforms for drug trafficking have made the problem even more complex.

“Addressing these challenges requires a collective and innovative approach. Beyond law enforcement, we must strengthen prevention, public awareness, treatment, rehabilitation and community engagement. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, community organisations and government agencies all have critical roles to play in protecting our society, especially our youth,” he said.

Aina commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting the agency’s anti-drug campaign and praised the governor’s wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, for her role in advocacy and community sensitisation.

He said preventive education remained one of the most effective tools against drug abuse.

“We must intensify efforts to educate our young people about the dangers associated with substance abuse and empower them to make informed decisions. Prevention is not only better than cure, it is cheaper, safer and more effective.

“In the area of public sensitisation within this past year, we carried out a total of 76 advocacy rallies and enlightenment campaigns and 15 radio and television campaigns. We also successfully counselled 87 drug users.

“In the past one year, we have destroyed nothing less than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations with a weight of over 127 tonnes. We arrested a total of 281 suspects involved in the illicit trade of drug dealings, trafficking and usage across the state, with 50 successfully prosecuted and convicted while other cases are still pending at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

“The command successfully recovered different illicit substances with a total weight of 6,337.517 kilograms,” he said.

Highlighting some major convictions, Aina said the command secured a 20-year jail term for one Osho Akindele, who was arrested with various illicit substances.

He also revealed that two octogenarians had been arrested.

“Also of importance to mention is the arrest of the following octogenarians — one 78-year-old grandpa, Ogunjobi Samuel from Ilupeju-Ekiti and 80-year-old Oke Samuel from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti for possession and dealings in illicit substances,” he said.

The commander urged residents to support the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

“Let us renew our collective resolve to confront the persistent issues, address emerging challenges and adopt innovative responses that will ensure a safer and healthier future for all,” he said.

Aina also appreciated sister security agencies, non-governmental organisations, the Drug Free Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps, students and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation for supporting the agency’s activities in the state.