The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its offensive against illicit drug activities in Ekiti State, destroying over 51 hectares of cannabis farms and arresting 281 suspects within the past year.
The Ekiti State Commander of the agency, Rufus Aina, disclosed this on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the World Drug Day 2026.
According to Aina, the command also secured 50 convictions, while several other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
Observed annually on June 26, this year’s World Drug Day carries the theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Aina described the widespread cultivation of cannabis across multiple communities in Ekiti as a major security and public health concern, noting that illegal farming continues at a troubling scale.
> “In Ekiti State, the challenge is particularly significant due to the illicit cultivation of cannabis sativa in commercial quantities across many local governments and communities,” he said.
He warned that while some individuals may view cannabis farming as a means of livelihood, its illegal production fuels a chain of negative consequences — including rising crime rates, insecurity, school dropouts, substance dependence, and environmental degradation.
Highlighting enforcement successes, the NDLEA boss revealed that the command secured a 20-year prison sentence for Osho Akindele, who was arrested with various illicit substances.
In a development underscoring the depth of the problem, Aina also confirmed the arrest of two elderly suspects:
Ogunjobi Samuel
Oke Samuel
Both were apprehended for their involvement in illicit drug activities.
Aina urged residents to support the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, stressing that success depends on collective responsibility.
“Let us renew our collective resolve to confront persistent issues, address emerging challenges, and adopt innovative responses that will ensure a safer and healthier future for all,” he said.
He also commended sister security agencies, NGOs, the Drug Free Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps, students, and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation for their continued collaboration in combating drug-related crimes across the state.
