The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed over 51 hectares of cannabis sativa farms and arrested 281 people for drug-related crimes in Ekiti State over the past year.
Rufus Aina, the Ekiti State Commander of the agency, shared this information on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during events for the 2026 World Drug Day celebration.
He added that the agency secured convictions for 50 suspects, while other cases are still pending in the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
World Drug Day is observed every year on June 26. The theme for this year's celebration is, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Aina pointed out that the large-scale growing of cannabis in various communities is a significant problem.
He said, “In Ekiti State, this issue is especially serious due to the illegal growing of cannabis sativa in large amounts in many local governments and communities.
“Some people may see cannabis farming as a way to make money, but its illegal growing, trafficking, selling, and use lead to many problems, including crime, insecurity, school dropouts, addiction, and damage to livelihoods, forests, and communities.
“While long-standing issues like drug trafficking, addiction, and organized crime continue, new threats are emerging due to changing drug markets, technology, and the rise of new psychoactive substances.
“Drug abuse remains a big public health and security problem. It destroys lives, harms families, fuels crime, and hinders national development.
“Today, new issues like synthetic drugs, misuse of prescription medicines, and using online platforms for drug trafficking make the situation more complicated.
“Solving these problems needs a collective and creative approach. Beyond law enforcement, we need to boost prevention, public education, treatment, rehabilitation, and community involvement. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, community groups, and government agencies all have key roles in protecting our society, especially the youth,” he said.
Aina praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for backing the agency’s anti-drug efforts and commended the governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her advocacy and community awareness work.
He also mentioned that education is one of the best ways to prevent drug abuse.
“We must work harder to teach our young people about the dangers of substance abuse and help them make good choices. Prevention is better and cheaper than treatment.
“In the past year, we held 76 advocacy rallies and awareness campaigns, plus 15 radio and TV campaigns. We have also successfully counseled 87 drug users.
“In the last year, we destroyed at least 51 hectares of cannabis sativa farms weighing over 127 tonnes. We arrested 281 people involved in drug trafficking and use, with 50 convicted while other cases are still in court in Ado Ekiti.
“The command also seized different illegal substances weighing a total of 6,337.517 kilograms,” he said.
Aina highlighted some notable convictions, including a 20-year prison sentence for Osho Akindele, who was caught with various illegal drugs.
He also revealed that two elderly people were arrested.
“It's also important to mention the arrests of two octogenarians, 78-year-old Ogunjobi Samuel from Ilupeju-Ekiti and 80-year-old Oke Samuel from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti for dealing with illegal substances,” he said.
The commander urged the public to join the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
“Let us renew our commitment to tackle these ongoing issues, address new challenges, and find creative solutions for a safer, healthier future for everyone,” he said.
Aina also thanked other security agencies, NGOs, the Drug Free Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps, students, and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation for their support to the agency's work in the state.
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