December 28, (THEWILL) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained offensive against drug trafficking, with the arrest of a previously convicted drug trafficker and three others, over an attempt to export cocaine to the United Kingdom, alongside massive seizures of cannabis and opioids across several states.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said operatives of the Agency intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Three cargo agents, including Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane, were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, while investigations later uncovered 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind behind the shipment.
A follow-up operation on Sunday, December 21, led to the arrest of Nwobodo at a relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he was apprehended while on a date with his girlfriend. NDLEA records revealed that Nwobodo is a notorious trafficker, who was arrested in May 2023 over the seizure of 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers, also bound for London. He was subsequently convicted by a Federal High Court and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid before returning to drug trafficking.
Beyond Lagos, NDLEA operations during the week yielded large quantities of illicit drugs across several states.
In Ekiti State, operatives on Monday, December 22, set ablaze tons of skunk and destroyed wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, recovering 638 kilograms of the cannabis strain.
In Edo State, NDLEA officers intercepted three Toyota Camry vehicles along the Igara–Auchi road on December 22, recovering 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1 kilograms.
In Cross River State, raids at Agoi-Ibami community in Yakurr Local Government Area on December 21, led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of large quantities of skunk, including 671kg, 148kg and 89kg respectively.
Further arrests were made in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Taraba and Gombe states. A 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested along the Abaji–Abuja Expressway with 38kg of skunk, while in Lagos, Ajoke Dauda and Oluwasegun Felix were arrested with a combined 64kg of the same substance along the Badagry corridor. In Taraba State, two suspects were apprehended in Takum with 48kg of cannabis, while in Gombe, a 65-year-old driver was arrested with 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives arrested a wanted businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as “Brown,” in connection with the seizure of 26kg of Loud cannabis at the Tincan Seaport, Lagos.
The illicit consignment was discovered during a joint container examination involving NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies, with Egbochie arrested in Apapa on December 19.
The Agency also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns nationwide, reaching schools, worship centres and communities in states including Anambra, Katsina and Kogi.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their professionalism and dedication, urging them to remain vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond while maintaining the highest standards in drug control efforts.
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