“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”
NDLEA bemoans commercial cultivation of cannabis sativa in Ekiti, destroys 51 hectares plantations
By John Odunayo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Ekiti State says it had destroyed over 51 hectares of cannabis sativa and arrested 281 suspects involved in illicit drug trade, trafficking and use across the state in the last one year.
The State Commander of the agency, Rufus Aina, said that NDLEA had within the period successfully prosecuted and convicted 50 suspects while the remaining were still pending at the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti.
The commander, who made the disclosure in Ado Ekiti as part of activities for the World Drug Day 2026, said that NDLEA in the state was stepping up education, sensitisation and enlightenment programmes to dissuade residents, particularly youth of the state from illicit drugs.
World Drug Day is celebrated globally on June 26. The theme of this year’s edition is “The world drug problem: Persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses”.
Aina bemoaned illicit cultivation of cannabis sativa in commercial quantities in many local governments and communities in Ekiti state, which he said had remained a 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 organized 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 organizations, and government agencies all have critical roles to play in protecting our society, especially our youth”.
The NDLEA commander, who appreciated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support and encouragement in the fight against crime and illicit substances in the state, also hailed the governor’s wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, for “the successes we have recorded in the advocacy, public sensitization and community engagement which has contributed to the reduction in demand for drugs among the youths”.
He said, “Preventive education remains one of the most effective tools in combating drug abuse, and this is why our agency continues to invest heavily in our ‘War Against Drug Abuse’ campaign across the length and breadth of Nigeria and especially here in Ekiti State.
“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 sensitization 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”.
The NDLEA commander, who said that the state command recorded record breaking successful prosecution in the last one year, said, “We secured a 20 years jail term for one Osho Akindele who was arrested with different illicit substances.
“Also of importance to mention is the arrest of the following octogenarians – one 78 years old grandpa, Ogunjobi Samuel from Ilupeju-Ekiti and 80 years old Oke Samuel from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti for possession and dealings in illicit substances,” he said.
Aina appealed, “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 hailed sister security agencies, stakeholders, non governmental organisations, Drug Free Community Development Service of National Youth Service Corps, students, and Kayode Adamolekun Foundation and its founder, Kayode Adamolekun, for unrelenting and unwavering support for the agency.
