The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, has raised the alarm over the escalating threat posed by cannabis cultivation in Edo State, describing it as a catalyst for kidnapping, arms proliferation, cultism and youth exploitation.
This position was disclosed at the Edo Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting organised by Senator Joseph Ikpea at Uromi on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement, Commander Mitchell presented a comprehensive assessment titled “Cannabis Cultivation and Rural Insecurity in Edo Central,” warning that forestlands once meant for agriculture have been converted into cannabis plantations.
“What started as hidden plots has grown into large-scale cannabis farms and a chain of insecurity. Where cannabis takes root, crime follows, and where cannabis grows, development dies. An effective drug control will reduce the problem of crime by fifty percent because most criminal acts are perpetrated under the influence of drugs,” the commander stressed.
According to the NDLEA commander, cannabis cultivation has created a violent ecosystem that threatens the very fabric of rural communities. The presentation highlighted a troubling nexus between cannabis farms and criminal enterprises, including arms proliferation, displacing legitimate food farming, and exploiting vulnerable youths.
Senator Ikpea, who is the Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, thanked the commander for the insightful presentation. “I am delighted with this presentation on a topical issue affecting all segments of society. While my committee is working hard to address the drug problem in the country, I will ensure that my constituency is free from the ravaging effects of drugs,” Ikpea stated.
The commander noted that legitimate farmers in the State live in constant fear of attack, preventing them from accessing licit farmlands. The result has been a dangerous abandonment of food production in favour of cannabis cultivation, coupled with significant environmental pollution.
Equally worrisome is the devastating health impact of substance abuse, such as severe damage to major organ systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. He further connected drug use to the rise of cultism and violent criminality in the state.
“Drugs make cult members bold and reckless. They stop caring about human life or rules. Substances like tramadol, codeine, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine are fuelling brutal rival clashes and organised gang groups, including kidnapping, extortion, cultism and gun running,” Ofoyeju added.
In response to the growing threat, the NDLEA unveiled a multi-pronged strategy centred on community ownership and engagement. The approach includes the establishment of confidential intelligence networks within communities, quarterly stakeholder forums involving traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women’s groups, joint operations to destroy cannabis farms, skill acquisition and start-up grants with toolkits for those ready to embrace alternative livelihoods.
While calling on stakeholders to own the fight against drug trafficking, the NDLEA Commander said that his vision is a drug-free, safe, and prosperous Edo State, adding that NDLEA Edo State Command is committed to protecting forests from cannabis plantations and securing the future of the youths.
