Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have rearrested notorious drug trafficker Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, an ex-convict previously jailed in 2023 for trafficking 30.10kg of methamphetamine, after seizing 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms.
The drugs were cleverly hidden in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch destined for the United Kingdom, intercepted at the export shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.
Three cargo agents: Jubrin Firdausi Hassana; Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun; and Igwe Chioma Jane involved in the attempt to export the consignment to the UK were swiftly arrested on Saturday December 20, 2025 before further investigations unraveled 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind. He was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday December 21, 2025, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he was said to have gone on a date with his girlfriend.
The agency’s criminal database, according to a press release signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the export shed of the Lagos airport.
He was said to have been subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Seven Million Naira (₦7,000,000.00), along with one-month community service, with effect from December 4, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime, the press statement said.
In another successful operation, NDLEA operatives on Monday, December 22, 2025, set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, where it said 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were also recovered. “No fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Igara-Auchi road, Edo state on Monday December 22,” the statement added
In Cross River state, it also revealed, raid operations conducted on Sunday December 21, 2025, at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk. They include: Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.
In another operation, a 42-year-old lady Joy Oisamaye was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji-Abuja Expressway on Monday, December 22, 2025, on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state, the agency disclosed.
It added that while NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Agbara, along Badagry expressway, another suspect, Oluwasegun Felix, was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day Wednesday, December 25.
In Takum area of Taraba state, two other suspects: Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on Wednesday 24th and Tuesday 23rd December, respectively, NDLEA said, adding that in Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno state.
Meanwhile, a 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown) wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, the agency revealed, has been arrested by it’s operatives. “The illicit drug consignment was seized on 10th December during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies. A follow up operation by NDLEA operatives on 19th December led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa,” the agency also said
It stated that across all it Commands and formations nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra State during their holiday skills acquisition training; women and teachers at Makaratar Mata Tatunawa da Marigayi Mustapha Nuhu, Kuki Gawo, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina and youths of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi state, among others.
While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos; Tincan, Seme, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, FCT, Gombe and Taraba Commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), according to the press release, acknowledged their commitment and enjoined them as well as their colleagues, nationwide, to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.
He charged them to maintain highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.
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