KEY POINTS

• The NDLEA destroyed over 51 hectares of cannabis and arrested 281 suspects in Ekiti.
• It secured 50 convictions, with other cases pending at the Federal High Court.
• The command flagged commercial cannabis cultivation and synthetic drugs as growing threats.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in illicit drug trafficking, peddling and abuse across Ekiti State in the past year. The Ekiti State Commander of the agency, Rufus Aina, disclosed this on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day.

A year of raids and convictions

According to Aina, the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. He described the large-scale cultivation of cannabis across several communities as a major challenge, noting that producers grow the crop in commercial quantities in many local governments.

Moreover, he warned that the trade carries far-reaching consequences. “While some may view cannabis cultivation as a source of income, its illegal production, trafficking, peddling and usage have far-reaching consequences, including criminality, insecurity, school dropouts, substance dependence, and the destruction of livelihoods, forest reserves and communities,” he said.

Giving the figures, Aina said the command destroyed at least 51 hectares of plantations weighing over 127 tonnes and recovered illicit substances totaling 6,337.517 kilograms. He also cited major convictions, including a 20-year jail term for one Osho Akindele, and the arrest of two octogenarians for possession and dealing.

Prevention over punishment

Furthermore, Aina stressed that preventive education remains one of the most effective tools against drug abuse. According to him, the command carried out 76 advocacy rallies, 15 radio and television campaigns, and counselled 87 drug users over the year. “Prevention is not only better than cure, it is cheaper, safer and more effective,” he said.

In addition, he noted that new threats keep emerging, from synthetic drugs and the misuse of prescription medicines to the use of digital platforms for trafficking. Therefore, he called for a collective approach that pairs enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community engagement, urging parents, teachers and religious leaders to play their part.

Aina commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for backing the campaign. Ultimately, he urged residents to renew their resolve against drug abuse. This remains a sensitive topic; anyone struggling with drug dependence can seek confidential help through the NDLEA’s 24-hour helpline.