Agency says drug abuse fuels kidnapping and terrorism as governor pledges support for alternative livelihoods programme

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 336 suspects for cannabis sativa–related offences in Ondo State in 2025, while destroying 207,000 kilograms of the substance across farms and plantations in the state.

The agency also seized 22,316 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs during the period under review.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Marwa warned that drug abuse has far-reaching consequences beyond individual users, stressing that it devastates families, destabilises communities, and fuels criminal activities across the country.

“Drug use has devastating consequences on our families and communities. It also promotes criminality. Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements are often linked to drug abuse,” he said.

According to him, intelligence reports revealed that kidnappers now operate from deep forest areas within cannabis-cultivating communities.

“Through intelligence, we have discovered that kidnappers now live among cannabis-growing communities in deep forests. It makes sense for them to establish bases where drugs are readily available,” Marwa added.

The NDLEA boss disclosed that drug use prevalence in Ondo State stands at 17 per cent, representing about 400,000 users, compared to Lagos State’s 33 per cent prevalence, estimated at about two million users.

He noted that although Ondo State remains Nigeria’s highest producer of cannabis due to its favourable climate and soil conditions, the agency has introduced an Alternative Development Programme to curb cultivation and drug abuse.

In his response, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged the full support of his administration to the NDLEA, following the launch of the programme in the state.

The governor commended the agency for complementing enforcement with sustainable initiatives, saying the programme would provide farmers with alternative sources of livelihood and help tackle the root causes of illicit drug cultivation.

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