NDLEA foils cocaine export to UK, nab ex-convict, three others

A notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, who was convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine, has been arrested again by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The latest arrest followed the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms, which were concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch and meant to be exported to the United Kingdom.

The drugs were intercepted at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Babafemi said three cargo agents involved in the attempt to export the consignment were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The suspects are Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane.

He added that further investigation by NDLEA operatives later uncovered Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, aged 37, as the mastermind behind the cocaine shipment to the UK.

Babafemi said he was arrested in a follow-up operation on Sunday, 21st December, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he went on a date with his girlfriend.

“The agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg of 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 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 4th December, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime, “Babafemi said.

He said another successful operation, NDLEA operatives on Monday, 22nd December set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis, and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638 kilograms of the same psychoactive substance were also recovered.

He said 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, 22nd December.

The statement reads, “In Cross River state, raid operations conducted on Sunday, 21st December 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, 22nd December, on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.

“While NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect, Ajoke Dauda, with 45.5kg of skunk on Christmas day, Thursday 25th December at Agbara, along Badagry expressway, another suspect, Oluwasegun Felix, was nabbed with 18.5kg of the same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day, Wednesday 24th December. In the Takum area of Taraba state, two other suspects, Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, were nabbed with 48kg of the same substance on Wednesday, 24th and Tuesday, 23rd December, respectively.

“In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along the 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, has been arrested by NDLEA 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.

“Across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra, 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) 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 the highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control.

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