The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended notorious drug trafficker Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, who was previously convicted in 2023 for dealing 30.10kg of methamphetamine.
A statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Basil was arrested along with three cargo agents over the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch heading to the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The statement read, “Three cargo agents: Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane, involved in the attempt to export the consignment to the UK, were swiftly arrested on Saturday, 20th December 2025, before further investigations unravelled 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind. 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 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.”
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Babafemi also disclosed that the NDLEA operatives during another operation on Monday December, 22 set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti where 638 kilograms of 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.”
Similarly, a raid operation conducted on Sunday, December 21, at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, in Cross River State, led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of various quantities of skunk.
The suspects include, Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.
The agency said in another operation, a 42-year-old lady, identified as Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Monday, December 22, on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.
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.
NDLEA also stated that 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 statement added, “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.”
The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) acknowledged the commitment of his operatives and enjoined them to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.
Marwa also charged them to maintain the highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.
