The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major blow to drug traffickers across Nigeria, arresting a notorious ex-convict and three others in connection with a UK-bound cocaine shipment disguised in liquid starch. The agency also recovered tons of skunk, opioids, and other illicit drugs in simultaneous operations across several states, including Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The latest arrest involved 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, a former convict who was previously jailed in 2023 for dealing in 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine. Basil, who had served five years with an option of a fine, returned to drug trafficking shortly after his release. NDLEA operatives intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms, concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch, at the export shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
Three cargo agents involved in the attempted shipment—Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane—were swiftly arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025. A follow-up operation the next day led to the arrest of Basil at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he was reportedly on a date with his girlfriend.
Basil’s criminal record shows he had previously been caught in May 2023 with 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers destined for London, UK. He was convicted under Federal High Court charge number FHC/L/337C/2023 and fined ₦7,000,000 alongside one-month community service starting December 4, 2023. Despite the punishment, he quickly returned to his illegal trade.
In a separate operation in Ekiti state, NDLEA officers seized 638 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, and destroyed wooden warehouses in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, on December 22, 2025. In Edo state, officers intercepted three Toyota Camry vehicles along Igara-Auchi road, recovering 883.1 kilograms of compressed cannabis sativa across 1,205 blocks.
Cross River state also witnessed significant seizures. On December 21, NDLEA operatives raided Agoi-Ibami community in Yakurr LGA, arresting three suspects: Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671 kilograms of skunk; David Itam David, 30, with 89 kilograms; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148 kilograms. Additionally, a 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested on December 22 along Abaji-Abuja expressway while transporting 38 kilograms of skunk from Otua, Edo state.
Lagos state operations continued through the festive period. On December 24, Oluwasegun Felix was arrested at Itoga, Badagry, with 18.5 kilograms of skunk, while the following day, Ajoke Dauda was apprehended at Agbara, Badagry expressway, with 45.5 kilograms of the same substance. In Taraba state, two suspects—Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41—were arrested on December 24 and 23 respectively with 48 kilograms of skunk.
NDLEA operatives in Gombe state also intercepted a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, transporting 300 ampoules of pentazocine injections and 27,900 tramadol pills along the Gombe-Biu highway, destined for Biu in Borno state.
Meanwhile, the agency apprehended a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as “Brown,” wanted for the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26 kilograms at the Tincan seaport in Lagos. The seizure had taken place on December 10, 2025, during a joint inspection by NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies. A follow-up operation on December 19 led to his arrest in Apapa, Lagos.
Across all NDLEA commands, officers continued with War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs targeting schools, workplaces, worship centres, and communities. Notable efforts included lectures to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor in Anambra state; 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. These programs aimed to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and encourage community participation in prevention efforts.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across the MMIA, Lagos, Tincan, Seme, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, FCT, Gombe, and Taraba commands for their dedication and successful operations. He urged personnel to remain vigilant during the festive season and beyond, stressing the importance of professionalism in all drug control efforts.
The series of arrests and seizures highlights the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in Nigeria, particularly during the festive period when traffickers often attempt to exploit increased travel and trade. NDLEA’s actions demonstrate the agency’s commitment to curbing drug-related crimes and preventing illegal substances from entering international markets, such as the United Kingdom.
Experts note that ex-convicts like Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, who quickly return to drug trafficking after serving sentences, present a serious challenge to law enforcement agencies. The cycle of arrest, conviction, and recidivism underscores the need for stricter monitoring and rehabilitation programs for convicted drug traffickers.
The NDLEA’s nationwide operations also serve as a warning to other criminals attempting to smuggle or distribute drugs. By combining enforcement with public education and community sensitization, the agency aims to reduce both the supply of illegal drugs and demand for substance abuse in Nigeria.
As the festive season continues, NDLEA has pledged to maintain heightened surveillance and proactive operations to intercept illicit drug consignments and apprehend offenders. The agency’s sustained efforts are crucial in protecting public health and safety while curbing the influence of organized crime in Nigeria.
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, reiterated the agency’s commitment to continuous vigilance and public engagement, urging Nigerians to cooperate with law enforcement in reporting suspicious activities.
The recent series of arrests, seizures, and public sensitization programs reflect a multi-pronged strategy to combat drug trafficking, showing that the NDLEA is both proactive and reactive in its approach. With notable recoveries across Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Taraba, and the FCT, the agency is sending a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated, and offenders will face strict consequences.
The operations also highlight the ingenuity of traffickers who attempt to conceal illegal substances in everyday products, such as liquid starch and powdered custard. NDLEA’s success in intercepting these shipments underscores the agency’s intelligence capabilities, effective collaboration with other security agencies, and professional handling of drug-related cases nationwide.