NDLEA Re-arrests Ex-Convict with UK-Bound Cocaine, Seizes Tons of Drugs Nationwide
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have re-arrested a notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, alongside three others, over an attempt to export cocaine concealed in liquid starch sachets to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
NDLEA disclosed on Sunday that Nwobodo, an ex-convict, was apprehended following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms hidden in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch at the airport’s export shed.
Three cargo agents identified as Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane were initially arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, during the attempted shipment. Further investigations later exposed Nwobodo, 37, as the mastermind behind the operation. He was subsequently arrested on Sunday, December 21, at a relaxation centre in Ikeja while on a date with his girlfriend.
NDLEA records revealed that Nwobodo was previously arrested in May 2023 for trafficking 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers bound for London. He was convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, alongside one month of community service. After paying the fine, he reportedly returned to drug trafficking.
In a series of coordinated operations across the country, the NDLEA also recovered large consignments of cannabis and other illicit drugs. In Ekiti State, operatives on Monday, December 22, set ablaze tons of skunk and destroyed wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638 kilograms of the substance were recovered.
Similarly, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1 kilograms were seized from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along the Igara–Auchi road in Edo State on the same day.
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In Cross River State, raids conducted at Agoi-Ibami community in Yakurr Local Government Area on Sunday, December 21, led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of large quantities of skunk. The suspects were identified as Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671 kilograms; David Itam David, 30, with 89 kilograms; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148 kilograms.
Elsewhere, a 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38 kilograms of skunk along the Abaji–Abuja Expressway on Monday, December 22, while travelling from Edo State. In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Ajoke Dauda with 45.5 kilograms of skunk at Agbara along the Badagry Expressway on Christmas Day, December 25, while another suspect, Oluwasegun Felix, was nabbed with 18.5 kilograms of the substance at Itoga, Badagry, a day earlier.
In Taraba State, two suspects—Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41—were arrested in Takum area with a total of 48 kilograms of cannabis on December 23 and 24 respectively.
NDLEA operatives in Gombe State also intercepted a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, along the Gombe–Biu highway with 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids en route to Biu in Borno State.
Meanwhile, a wanted businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as “Brown,” was arrested in Apapa, Lagos, in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis weighing 26 kilograms, at the Tincan Seaport on December 10. The seizure followed a joint container examination by NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies, while Egbochie was arrested during a follow-up operation on December 19.
The agency said it also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns nationwide, reaching schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities in states including Anambra, Katsina, and Kogi.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their commitment and urged them to remain vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
The update was contained in a statement signed by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
By PRNigeria
