In a major breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has re-arrested notorious drug trafficker and ex-convict Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil. Basil, who was previously convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine, was intercepted following the seizure of 75 cocaine parcels weighing 1.50kg. The illicit consignment was concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch destined for the United Kingdom at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) export shed.
Operatives first arrested three cargo agents—Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane—on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Their arrest unraveled 37-year-old Basil as the mastermind, leading to his capture the following day at a popular relaxation center in Ikeja during a date with his girlfriend.
In a statement issued Sunday, Dec. 29, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi disclosed the suspect’s criminal history:
”Nwobodo’s record dates back to May 2023, when he attempted to export 30.10kg of methamphetamine to the UK hidden in custard containers. Though a Federal High Court convicted him and imposed a ₦7 million fine in lieu of a five-year sentence, the leniency failed to deter him. After paying the fine and completing brief community service in late 2023, he promptly resumed his illicit trade.”
In a separate, impactful operation, ”NDLEA operatives on Monday, December 22, descended upon the Ara forest in Ara-Ekiti. There, they incinerated tons of skunk and destroyed several wooden warehouses. Authorities also seized an additional 638 kilograms of the same psychoactive substance. Concurrently, along the Igara-Auchi road in Edo State, vigilant NDLEA patrol teams intercepted three Toyota Camry vehicles. They recovered a total of 1,205 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg.”
Expanding its crackdown, the NDLEA intensified its surveillance in Cross River State;
“A raid conducted on Sunday, December 21, in the Agoi-Ibami community of Yakurr LGA resulted in the arrest of three key suspects and the recovery of various quantities of skunk. The Agency identified the suspects as Freedom Jonah Akpama (27), caught with 671kg; David Itam David (30), with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam (26), who possessed 148kg.”
The Agency’s “operational eagle eye” extended its reach to major highways, securing another significant milestone in its drug interdiction efforts;
”On Monday, December 22, 2025, NDLEA operatives patrolling the Abaji-Abuja Expressway intercepted 42-year-old Joy Oisamaye. Authorities arrested Oisamaye after discovering 38kg of skunk in her possession during her journey from Otua, Owan East LGA, Edo State.”
Maintaining its relentless vigilance, the NDLEA recorded a Christmas breakthrough in Lagos with the interception of significant drug hauls. On Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025;
”Operatives at Agbara, along the Badagry Expressway, arrested a female suspect, Ajoke Dauda, for possessing 45.5kg of skunk. This arrest followed a successful operation the previous day, Wednesday, December 24, where officials nabbed Oluwasegun Felix with 18.5kg of the same substance at Itoga, Badagry.”
Mirroring this success in Taraba State, the NDLEA nabbed two suspects;
”In Takum, Taraba State, Emmanuel Danladi (39) and John Onoja (41) were found in possession of 48kg of the illegal substance following operations on Tuesday the 23rd and Wednesday the 24th of December.”
In Gombe State, Operatives arrested a ”65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed along the Gombe-Biu highway. He was intercepted while conveying a significant haul of illicit substances, including 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 pills of tramadol and other opioids, destined for Biu in Borno State.”
However, In another major breakthrough, ”NDLEA operatives have arrested 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie (alias “Brown”), who was wanted for a massive drug shipment at the Tin Can seaport in Apapa, Lagos. Egbochie was linked to the December 10 seizure of 56 parcels of “Loud”—a potent cannabis strain—weighing 26kg. Following the initial joint operation with Customs, NDLEA agents tracked him to Apapa, where they successfully arrested him on December 19, 2025.”
Similarly, in order to achieve a drug-free nation, the agency has maintained its sensitization campaigns across all Commands and formations nationwide. In the past week, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities.
These efforts included:
WADA enlightenment lectures for students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra, during their holiday skills acquisition training.
Engagement sessions with women and teachers at Makaratar Mata Tatunawa da Marigayi Mustapha Nuhu, Kuki Gawo, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina.
Awareness campaigns targeting the youth of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi state, among other locations.
In appreciation of their unwavering commitment, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), ”commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Tincan, Seme, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, FCT, Gombe, and Taraba Commands for their recent arrests and seizures. While acknowledging their efforts, Brig. Gen. Marwa enjoined personnel nationwide to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond, charging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their drug control operations.”
