The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made another major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, arresting Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, a notorious trafficker previously convicted for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine in 2023, following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50kg. The cocaine was concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch and was destined for the United Kingdom via Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
Three cargo agents involved in the attempted export – Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane – were swiftly arrested on Saturday, 20th December 2025. Further investigations identified 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind. He was apprehended the following day, Sunday, 21st December, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he had gone on a date with his girlfriend.
Records from NDLEA’s criminal database show that Nwobodo was previously arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine, concealed in powdered custard containers, destined for London, UK. He was subsequently convicted by the Federal High Court (FHC/L/337C/2023), sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of ₦7 million fine and one-month community service, effective 4th December 2023. Having paid the fine, he soon returned to trafficking activities.
In other operations, NDLEA operatives burned tons of skunk, a potent cannabis strain, in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, recovering 638kg of the substance. On the same day, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg, were seized from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along Igara-Auchi Road, Edo State.
In Cross River State, raids in Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, led to the arrest of three suspects:
- Freedom Jonah Akpama (27) – 671kg skunk
- David Itam David (30) – 89kg
- Nelson Arikpo Osam (26) – 148kg
Additionally, a 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38kg of skunk along the Abaji-Abuja Expressway, while Ajoke Dauda was apprehended with 45.5kg skunk in Agbara, Lagos, on Christmas Day (25th December). Another suspect, Oluwasegun Felix, was nabbed with 18.5kg skunk at Itoga, Badagry, on 24th December. In Taraba State, suspects Emmanuel Danladi (39) and John Onoja (41) were arrested with 48kg of skunk on 24th and 23rd December respectively.
Additional Arrests and Seizures
In Gombe State, 65-year-old Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while transporting 300 ampoules of pentazocine injections, 27,900 tramadol pills, and other opioids along the Gombe-Biu highway.
Meanwhile, 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), wanted over the seizure of 26kg of Loud cannabis at Tincan Seaport, Lagos, was arrested in Apapa on 19th December, following a joint NDLEA-Customs operation on 10th December.
NDLEA Continues Public Awareness Campaigns
Across its nationwide formations, NDLEA officers continued the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities. Notable outreach activities included:
- Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra – holiday skills acquisition training for students and staff
- Katsina State – women and teachers at Makaratar Mata Tatunawa da Marigayi Mustapha Nuhu, Kuki Gawo, Dutsinma LGA
- Kogi State – youths of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA
NDLEA Commends Officers, Calls for Vigilance
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, commended officers from MMIA Lagos, Tincan, Seme, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, FCT, Gombe, and Taraba Commands for their dedication in the festive season operations. He urged them and colleagues nationwide to remain extra vigilant, maintain high standards of professionalism, and continue combating drug abuse effectively.
