The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that it arrested 336 suspects for offenses related to cannabis sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp, in Ondo State in 2025.
During a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman and CEO of the NDLEA, revealed that the agency seized 22,316 kilograms of illicit drugs and destroyed 207,000 kilograms of cannabis from plantations and farms in the state.
Marwa emphasized that drug abuse has devastating consequences for families and communities.
He said, “Drug use has had devastating consequences on our families and communities. It has also promoted criminality. Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements are often linked to drug abuse.
“Through intelligence, we have discovered that kidnappers now live among cannabis-cultivating communities in deep forests. It makes sense for them to establish bases where drugs are readily available.”
According to Marwa, drug usage prevalence in Ondo State is 17%, or approximately 400,000 people, compared to 33% in Lagos State, which accounts for almost two million users.
He added, “In 2025 alone, the Ondo State Command of the NDLEA made 336 arrests, seized 22,316 kilograms of illicit substances, secured 62 convictions, and destroyed 207,000 kilograms of cannabis on farms and plantations.
“We also have a counselling and rehabilitation center in the state, where 243 people have received treatment.”
The NDLEA chairman acknowledged that Ondo State is Nigeria’s leading producer of cannabis because of its climate and soil conditions but stated that the agency has implemented an Alternative Development Programme to combat the issue.
He praised Aiyedatiwa’s support for the NDLEA in the state.
In response, Aiyedatiwa promised his administration’s full support to the NDLEA following the inauguration of the agency’s Alternative Development Programme in Ondo State.
The governor applauded the NDLEA for combining enforcement with the program, which he claimed will provide farmers with other income streams.
“We want to thank the agency for selecting Ondo State as the pilot for the Alternative Development Programme. Statistics show that the state is the largest producer of cannabis in Nigeria,” he said.
However, Aiyedatiwa stated that Ondo State is also a large producer of lawful agricultural products such as cocoa due to its vast woods, fertile soil, and favorable temperature, and that the majority of citizens follow the law.
