NDLEA Destroys 77.5 Hectares of Hashish Farms in Edo State: Impact on Cannabis Cultivation and Food Security

In a significant operation against illegal drug production, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command has eradicated 77.5 hectares of hashish farms since January 2025. This action targets cannabis cultivation, a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Discover how this destruction of cannabis farms in Edo promotes sustainable farming and strengthens drug control measures.

Introduction

The NDLEA’s destruction of 77.5 hectares of hashish farms in Edo State marks a pivotal step in combating cannabis cultivation in Nigeria. Announced by State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, the operation across nine farms has neutralized an estimated yield of 193,491.1 kg of cannabis since January 2025. This news, shared during a meeting with Edo’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, highlights collaborative efforts to redirect farmlands toward food production.

Why This Matters for Edo State

Edo State, known for its fertile soils, faces competing demands between illicit crops like cannabis and essential food staples. By destroying these hashish farms, NDLEA aims to alleviate food insecurity while deterring drug trafficking. Keywords like “NDLEA cannabis farm destruction Edo” underscore the operation’s role in national drug enforcement.

Analysis

The NDLEA Edo Command’s initiative reflects a multifaceted strategy against cannabis cultivation. Hashish, derived from cannabis plants, represents a major illicit trade in Nigeria, where such farming thrives in rural areas due to high profitability and lax oversight. The precise figure of 77.5122197 hectares destroyed—rounded to 77.5 hectares—demonstrates meticulous tracking, with potential yields calculated based on standard agricultural estimates for cannabis biomass.

Operational Details and Scale

Conducted across nine distinct sites, the destruction began in January 2025 and continued through November. Commander Ofoyeju emphasized that these lands, if repurposed, could significantly boost food production, addressing Edo’s food scarcity issues. This analysis reveals NDLEA’s shift from mere eradication to holistic solutions, integrating law enforcement with agricultural reform.

Collaboration with State Authorities

The Benin City meeting between NDLEA and the Ministry of Agriculture focused on identifying vulnerable communities prone to cannabis farming. Discussions covered training programs for sustainable crops like cassava, maize, cocoa, and vegetables, which offer viable economic alternatives.

Summary

In summary, NDLEA destroyed 77.5 hectares of hashish farms in Edo State, preventing 193,491.1 kg of cannabis production. State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju called for land confiscation to support food security, while pledging prosecutions as deterrents. The operation aligns with NDLEA’s Alternative Development programme under Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, promoting legal crops and community empowerment.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For farmers in Edo State and similar regions, transitioning from cannabis to legal crops offers sustainable income. NDLEA’s Alternative Development programme provides guidance on high-demand alternatives.

Steps for Farmers

1. Assess Soil Suitability: Edo’s loamy soils suit cassava, maize, and vegetables—crops with established markets.
2. Access Training: Partner with the Ministry of Agriculture for workshops on pest-resistant varieties and irrigation.
3. Secure Funding: Explore government subsidies for seeds and fertilizers under food security initiatives.
4. Market Linkages: Join cooperatives to sell cocoa or maize, ensuring steady revenue over cannabis’s risks.
5. Monitor NDLEA Programs: Enroll in Alternative Development for technical support and compliance assurance.

Advice for Authorities

State governments should expedite land forfeiture processes to convert ex-cannabis sites into model farms, enhancing food production and economic resilience.

Points of Caution

Engaging in cannabis cultivation carries severe risks. Farmers should note that hashish production is illegal, leading to farm destruction, arrests, and land loss.

Risks Highlighted by NDLEA

• Prosecution and imprisonment for cultivators.
• Economic loss from destroyed investments without legal recourse.
• Health and environmental hazards from chemical use in illicit farming.
• Disruption to community food security by diverting arable land.

Vulnerable communities must prioritize legal crops to avoid these pitfalls, as NDLEA intensifies surveillance.

Comparison

Compared to prior NDLEA operations, this 77.5-hectare destruction in Edo surpasses many single-state efforts. For instance, earlier 2024 reports noted smaller-scale eradications in Ondo and Delta States, often under 50 hectares. Edo’s operation stands out for its yield estimate and integration with Alternative Development.

Versus National Trends

Nationwide, NDLEA has destroyed thousands of hectares annually since Brig. Gen. Marwa’s leadership began in 2021, with Edo consistently ranking high in cannabis farm busts. This 2025 action reflects escalating enforcement amid rising cultivation pressures.

Pre- vs. Post-Alternative Development

Before the programme’s emphasis, destructions were reactive; now, they pair with farmer retraining, yielding longer-term reductions in cannabis farms.

Legal Implications

Cannabis cultivation is strictly prohibited under Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (2004) and the NDLEA Regulations. Offenders face up to 25 years imprisonment or life for trafficking-related cultivation.

Land Confiscation and Prosecution

Commander Ofoyeju’s call for confiscation aligns with legal provisions for forfeiture of drug-related properties (Section 34, NDLEA Act). Prosecutions serve as deterrents, with courts empowered to seize lands for public use, such as food production. Edo’s collaboration ensures compliance with due process.

Compliance for Farmers

Voluntary transition via Alternative Development shields participants from liability, provided they cease illicit activities immediately.

Conclusion

The NDLEA’s destruction of 77.5 hectares of hashish farms in Edo State exemplifies decisive action against cannabis cultivation, safeguarding public health and food security. Through Alternative Development and partnerships, Nigeria paves the way for sustainable agriculture. Stakeholders must sustain momentum to transform illicit farmlands into engines of economic growth, ensuring a drug-free future.

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