The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse in Ekiti State, announcing that it destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in drug-related offences over the past year. The figures underline the scale of the narcotics challenge confronting the state and the growing concern among authorities over the link between drug abuse and insecurity.
The announcement was made on Thursday, June 26, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) by Rufus Aina, who outlined the agency’s enforcement achievements between June 2025 and June 2026. This year’s global theme was “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Speaking at the event, Aina said the Ekiti command had significantly expanded both its enforcement and public sensitisation operations in response to increasing concerns over illicit drug cultivation and abuse, particularly among youths.
According to him, one of the biggest challenges facing the command remains the large-scale cultivation of cannabis in remote communities and forest belts across the state.
He explained that several local government areas in Ekiti have become vulnerable to illegal cannabis farming because of their dense vegetation, isolated farmlands, and difficult terrain.
Aina said some cultivators see cannabis farming as a profitable source of income, despite the severe legal and social consequences associated with the trade.
He warned that illicit cultivation has far-reaching implications beyond drug consumption.
According to him, the consequences include rising criminality, violent behaviour, insecurity, school dropouts, addiction, and the destruction of livelihoods and forest reserves.
“In Ekiti State, the challenge is particularly significant due to the illicit cultivation of cannabis sativa in commercial quantities in many communities,” Aina said.
He disclosed that NDLEA operatives destroyed over 51 hectares of cannabis plantations, with an estimated combined weight exceeding 127 tonnes, during raids carried out across the state in the last year.
The commander said the destruction of these plantations dealt a major blow to drug supply networks operating within and beyond Ekiti.
He also revealed that the command recovered 6,337.517 kilograms of assorted illicit substances during various operations.
The seized substances included cannabis, narcotic pills, and other prohibited drugs intercepted through intelligence-led raids and targeted enforcement actions.
Aina said a total of 281 suspects were arrested for offences ranging from cultivation and trafficking to peddling and drug abuse.
Of those arrested, he said 50 suspects were successfully prosecuted and convicted, while other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti.
The commander highlighted some notable arrests recorded during the year.
Among them was the conviction of Osho Akindele, who received a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty of offences involving multiple illicit substances.
Aina also disclosed the arrest of two elderly suspects whose involvement shocked many residents.
He identified them as Ogunjobi Samuel, aged 78, from Ilupeju-Ekiti, and Oke Samuel, aged 80, from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti.
According to the NDLEA commander, both men were arrested for possession and involvement in illicit drug dealings.
Their arrest, he said, demonstrated that drug trafficking cuts across age groups and social backgrounds.
Aina noted that the drug crisis in Nigeria is evolving rapidly.
He said while traditional problems such as trafficking and addiction remain, new threats are emerging.
These include synthetic drugs, misuse of prescription medicines, and the growing use of digital platforms for drug distribution.
He warned that these developments have made anti-drug operations more complex than in previous years.
“Drug abuse remains a major public health and security concern,” Aina said.
He added that narcotics destroy lives, weaken families, fuel crime, and undermine national development.
The NDLEA boss stressed that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.
He said the fight against drugs must also involve prevention, rehabilitation, public education, and community engagement.
According to him, parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and government agencies all have critical roles to play.
He emphasized that preventive education remains one of the strongest tools in reducing substance abuse among young people.
Aina disclosed that the command conducted 76 advocacy rallies and enlightenment campaigns, alongside 15 radio and television awareness programmes over the past year.
He added that 87 drug users received counselling and rehabilitation support through NDLEA intervention programmes.
The agency’s anti-drug campaign in Ekiti builds on earlier large-scale operations.
In September 2023, NDLEA operatives destroyed a 16-hectare cannabis farm in Ijesha Isu-Ekiti, Ikole LGA, eliminating about 40 tonnes of cannabis in one of the state’s major raids.
In November 2022, NDLEA also destroyed five hectares of cannabis farmland in Ire Ekiti, Oye LGA, arresting eight suspects and recovering 1,465 kilograms of cannabis.
These earlier operations, analysts say, show that cannabis cultivation in Ekiti has persisted for years despite repeated enforcement.
Aina commended Biodun Oyebanji for supporting anti-drug initiatives in the state.
He also praised Olayemi Oyebanji for her advocacy and community sensitisation efforts.
The commander further acknowledged support from sister security agencies, non-governmental organisations, the Drug Free Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps, students, and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement with credible information.
Aina called for renewed collective commitment against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the long-term goal is to build safer and healthier communities across Ekiti.
For the NDLEA, the latest figures show both the scale of the drug challenge and the urgency of sustained action against narcotics networks operating in the state.
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