Drug War: NDLEA Arrests Ex-Convict, Three Others Over Cocaine Concealed in Starch at Lagos Airport
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an ex-convict, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
They were concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold water starch destined for the United Kingdom (UK).
Basil, a notorious drug trafficker, was previously convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine.
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, December 20, 2025, before further investigations unravelled Basil, 37, as the mastermind.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to ThelensNG by the Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday.
Babafemi stated that Basil was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday, December 21, 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,” the statement noted.
In another successful operation, NDLEA operatives 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.
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, December 22.
In Cross River State, raid operations conducted on Sunday, December 21, at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk. The arrested suspects are Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.
Similarly, a 42-year-old lady 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.
While NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day Thursday, December 25, at Agbara, along Badagry Expressway, another suspect Oluwasegun Felix was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry.
Elsewhere, Takum (Taraba State), two other suspects — Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on Tuesday, December 23 and Wednesday, December 24 respectively.
In Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno State.
A 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Ogboche (alias Brown) wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud (a strain of cannabis) weighing 26kg at the Tin Can seaport in Lagos was also apprehended 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.”
In the same vein, the Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, work places, communities, and other places in the past week.
The activities included WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra during their holiday skills acquisition training; women and teachers at Makaratar Mata Tatunawa da Marigayi Mustapha Nuhu, Kuki Gawo, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina State; and youths of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.
Reacting to the arrests and seizures, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Tin Can, Seme, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, FCT, Gombe and Taraba Commands for their commitment and professionalism.
Marwa urged them and their colleagues nationwide to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.
He further charged them to maintain the highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.
