Abuja, Dec. 28,2025. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, and three cargo agents over an attempt to export cocaine concealed in sachets of liquid starch to the United Kingdom.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi.
Babafemi said the cocaine, weighing 1.50 kilogrammes, was packaged in 75 factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch and intercepted at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
He said three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane — were arrested on Dec. 20, while investigations later identified Basil as the mastermind.
According to him, Basil, 37, was arrested on Dec. 21 at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.
Babafemi said records showed that Basil was convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in custard containers and was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of ₦7 million fine, which he paid before returning to drug trafficking.
In other operations, NDLEA operatives on Dec. 22 destroyed tons of skunk in Ara Forest, Ekiti State, and recovered 638kg of the substance.
He said operatives also intercepted 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg, from three vehicles along the Igara–Auchi Road in Edo State.
In Cross River State, Babafemi said three suspects were arrested on Dec. 21 at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, with a total of 908kg of skunk.
He added that a 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38kg of skunk along the Abaji–Abuja Expressway.
In Lagos, operatives arrested Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg of skunk on Christmas Day at Agbara, while Oluwasegun Felix was arrested with 18.5kg at Itoga, Badagry.
Babafemi said two suspects were also arrested in Taraba State with 48kg of skunk, while a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was arrested in Gombe State with 27,900 tramadol pills, 300 ampoules of pentazocine and other opioids.
He said NDLEA also arrested a businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, wanted in connection with the seizure of 26kg of “Loud” cannabis at the Tincan Seaport, Lagos.
Babafemi said the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended officers for the arrests and seizures and urged them to maintain professionalism and vigilance during and after the festive season.
