Cannabis cultivation fueling kidnapping, cultism in Edo – NDLEA
August 11, 2026 7:26 pm
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, has raised the alarm over the escalating threat posed by cannabis cultivation in Edo State, describing it as a catalyst for kidnapping, arms proliferation, cultism and youth exploitation.
He stated this at the Edo Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting organised by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Joseph Ikpea, in Uromi, Edo Central, on Tuesday.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement, Ofoyeju presented a comprehensive assessment titled “Cannabis Cultivation and Rural Insecurity in Edo Central”, warning that forest lands once used for agriculture had been converted into cannabis plantations.
“What started as hidden plots has grown into large-scale cannabis farms and a chain of insecurity. Where cannabis takes root, crime follows, and where cannabis grows, development dies.
“An effective drug control will reduce the problem of crime by 50 per cent because most criminal acts are perpetrated under the influence of drugs,” the commander stressed.
According to the NDLEA commander, cannabis cultivation had created a violent ecosystem that threatened the fabric of rural communities.
The presentation highlighted a troubling nexus between cannabis farms and criminal enterprises, including arms proliferation, the displacement of legitimate food farming and the exploitation of vulnerable youths.
The commander noted that legitimate farmers in the state lived in constant fear of attacks, preventing them from accessing their farmlands.
He added that the situation had resulted in the dangerous abandonment of food production in favour of cannabis cultivation, coupled with significant environmental pollution.
Equally worrisome, he said, was the devastating health impact of substance abuse, including severe damage to major organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
He further linked drug use to the rise of cultism and violent criminality in the state.
“Drugs make cult members bold and reckless. They stop caring about human life or rules. Substances like tramadol, codeine, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine are fuelling brutal rival clashes and organised gang groups, including kidnapping, extortion, cultism and gun running,” Mitchell added.
Ikpea thanked the commander for the presentation, noting that the Senate would always support the NDLEA in its efforts to rid the country of illicit drugs.
He assured that he would put in his best efforts to ensure that Edo Central, which he represents in the Senate, became drug-free.
“I am delighted with this presentation on a topical issue affecting all segments of society. While my committee is working hard to address the drug problem in the country, I will ensure that my constituency is free from the ravaging effects of drugs,” Ikpea stated.
At the event, the NDLEA also unveiled a multi-pronged strategy centred on community ownership and engagement to address the growing threat of drug abuse.
The approach includes the establishment of confidential intelligence networks within communities, quarterly stakeholder forums involving traditional rulers, youth leaders and women’s groups, joint operations to destroy cannabis farms, as well as skills acquisition and start-up grants with toolkits for those willing to embrace alternative livelihoods.
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