…as NDLEA seizes tons of drugs nationwide
By Nkechi Eze
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested notorious ex-convict Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil alongside three others in connection with a UK-bound cocaine consignment concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in an official statement, disclosed that the suspects cargo agents Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane were apprehended on Saturday, 20th December 2025, while Nwobodo, identified as the mastermind, was arrested a day later at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he had gone to meet his girlfriend.
The 37-year-old Nwobodo had previously been convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine, also destined for the United Kingdom, concealed in powdered custard containers. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine and one month of community service. After paying the fine, he reportedly returned to the same criminal activity.
The cocaine seizure involved 75 parcels weighing 1.50 kilograms, intercepted at the MMIA export shed.
In separate operations across the country, NDLEA officers recorded significant drug busts over the past week. In Ekiti state, 638 kilograms of skunk were recovered from wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, which were subsequently set ablaze. Edo state authorities intercepted three Toyota Camry vehicles carrying 883.1kg of compressed cannabis sativa along the Igara-Auchi road.
In Cross River, NDLEA operatives arrested Freedom Jonah Akpama (27) with 671kg of skunk, David Itam David (30) with 89kg, and Nelson Arikpo Osam (26) with 148kg in Agoi-Ibami, Yakurr LGA. Additionally, a 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was caught with 38kg along the Abaji-Abuja expressway, traveling from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.
Lagos operatives nabbed Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg of skunk on Christmas Day along the Badagry expressway, while Oluwasegun Felix was arrested the previous day with 18.5kg at Itoga, Badagry. Taraba state authorities arrested Emmanuel Danladi (39) and John Onoja (41) with 48kg of skunk between 23rd and 24th December.
In Gombe state, Sada’u Mohammed, a 65-year-old driver, was caught transporting 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 tramadol pills, and other opioids along the Gombe-Biu highway.
Also, a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), wanted for the seizure of 26kg of cannabis (“Loud”) at the Tincan seaport on 10th December, was arrested on 19th December in Apapa following a joint operation by NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies.
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA officers nationwide continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns in schools, workplaces, worship centres, and communities. Activities last week included lectures to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy in Nkpor, Anambra, women and teachers in Katsina, and youths in Kogi state.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers for their dedication, urging them to remain vigilant during the festive season and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in drug control efforts.
