The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in drug trafficking, peddling and abuse across Ekiti State over the past year.
The agency’s Ekiti State Commander, Rufus Aina, disclosed this on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day.
Aina said the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while several other cases remain before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
World Drug Day is observed annually on June 26. The theme for the 2026 edition is, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
According to the commander, the widespread cultivation of cannabis in several communities across the state remains one of the biggest challenges confronting the agency.
“In Ekiti State, the challenge is particularly significant due to the illicit cultivation of cannabis sativa in commercial quantities in many local governments and communities.
“While some may see cannabis cultivation as a source of income, its illegal production, trafficking, peddling and use have far-reaching consequences, including criminality, insecurity, school dropouts, substance dependence, and the destruction of livelihoods, forest reserves and communities,” he said.
Aina noted that drug abuse continues to pose serious public health and security threats, with emerging challenges such as synthetic drugs, the misuse of prescription medicines and the use of digital platforms for drug trafficking making the problem more complex.
He stressed that tackling the menace requires more than law enforcement.
“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.
The NDLEA commander commended Biodun Oyebanji for supporting the agency’s anti-drug campaign and praised the governor’s wife, Olayemi Oyebanji, for her advocacy and sensitisation efforts.
He described preventive education as one of the most effective tools in combating substance 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,” he said.
Providing details of the command’s activities over the past year, Aina said the agency carried out 76 advocacy rallies and public enlightenment campaigns, 15 radio and television awareness programmes, and successfully counselled 87 drug users.
He added that operatives destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis plantations weighing over 127 tonnes and recovered 6,337.517 kilograms of various illicit substances.
The commander also highlighted notable convictions secured by the agency, including a 20-year prison sentence handed to one Osho Akindele, who was arrested with different illicit substances.
He further revealed the arrest of two elderly suspects over alleged involvement in drug-related activities.
“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 for possession and dealings in illicit substances,” he said.
Aina urged residents to support the fight against drug abuse and trafficking by providing useful information to security agencies.
“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.
He also appreciated other 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.
