The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious ex-convict, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, alongside three cargo agents, over an attempt to export cocaine to the United Kingdom concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch.
The seizure was made at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, where NDLEA operatives intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms. The suspects initially arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, were identified as Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane.
Further investigations uncovered 37-year-old Nwobodo Basil as the mastermind behind the consignment. He was subsequently arrested on Sunday, December 21, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja.
NDLEA records revealed that Basil had previously been arrested in May 2023 for trafficking 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers destined for the UK. He was convicted by a Federal High Court and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid before returning to drug trafficking.
In a series of coordinated operations across the country, NDLEA operatives also recorded major seizures of cannabis and opioids. In Ekiti State, tons of skunk and wooden warehouses were destroyed at Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638 kilograms of cannabis were recovered. In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 883.1 kilograms were intercepted from three vehicles along the Igara-Auchi road.
In Cross River State, three suspects were arrested at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr Local Government Area, with a total of 908 kilograms of skunk recovered. Another suspect, Joy Oisamaye, 42, was arrested with 38 kilograms of skunk along the Abaji-Abuja expressway.
Lagos operations led to the arrest of Ajoke Dauda with 45.5 kilograms of skunk at Agbara on Christmas Day, while Oluwasegun Felix was earlier arrested with 18.5 kilograms at Itoga, Badagry. In Taraba State, two suspects were arrested in Takum area with 48 kilograms of cannabis, while in Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver was intercepted with large quantities of tramadol, pentazocine injections and other opioids.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives also arrested a wanted businessman, Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), in connection with the seizure of 26 kilograms of “Loud” cannabis at the Tincan Seaport, Lagos.
Commending the officers involved in the operations nationwide, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their professionalism and urged them to remain vigilant during and beyond the festive season.
He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, noted that sensitization activities continued across schools, communities, worship centres and workplaces nationwide.
