Indian Hemp Farmers Attack Army, NDLEA Operatives In Edo

Suspected cannabis (Indian Hemp) farmers and traffickers have attacked a team of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigerian Army personnel in Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, a community notorious for cannabis cultivation.
According to a statement issued by Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the team came under heavy attack from the local cultivators who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Ofoyeju who commended the bravery of his officers and the army personnel involved, noted that the operation in Ukpuje underscores the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing incidence of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
Ofoyeju said, “The hostile development forced the operatives to abort the operation and retreat for safety. Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
“Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation. Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no lives were lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.
“The raid in Ukpuje is part of a broader strategy by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and promote community safety. Illicit cannabis cultivation has long been a challenge in the area.”
He however reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the fight against drug cultivation and trafficking in Edo State. “We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics.”
Meanwhile, the NDLEA have arrested 39 suspected drug traffickers with 2,477.59 Kg of narcotic drugs in Edo State.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, state commander of the NDLEA, who made this known in a statement on the operational scorecard for October 2025, said the suspects consist of 27 males and 12 females.
The statement added that, within the period under review, three cannabis sativa farms measuring 6.7 hectares with an estimated yield of 16,777kg were also destroyed.
A breakdown of the 2,477.59 kg of seized drugs indicates that Cannabis Sativa 2,476.87 kg; Tramadol 0.3575 kg; Nitrazepam 0.068 kg; Bromazepam 0.8141 kg; Diazepam 0.084 kg; Swinol 0.0036 kg; Danabol (Molly) 0.013 kg; Methamphetamine (abandoned) 0.0465 kg and Codeine Syrup 0.1 litre.
According to the statement, three cannabis farms located in the Ugbodo Forest of Ovia North East Local Government Area, covering an area of 6.71 hectares, with an estimated yield of 16,777.98 kg of illegal crops, were destroyed.
The command’s prosecution unit also made significant strides in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
“October saw the conviction of 11 individuals involved in drug-related offences and 11 new cases charged in the courts. Currently, there are 121 pending cases at the Federal High Court in Benin City.
“The fight against drug trafficking is relentless, and those who continue to engage in this illegal trade will face not only heightened enforcement but also stiffer penalties,” the statement stated.