The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking networks, arresting a previously convicted drug dealer and three accomplices over an attempt to smuggle cocaine to the United Kingdom, while also recovering large consignments of cannabis and opioids across several states.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch at the export shed of the airport. Three cargo agents—Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane—were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in connection with the consignment.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the mastermind, 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, a notorious trafficker and ex-convict. He was apprehended the following day, Sunday, December 21, at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.
NDLEA records revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 for trafficking 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers destined for London. He was convicted by a Federal High Court and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine and one-month community service, which he completed before returning to the same criminal activity.
Beyond Lagos, NDLEA operatives carried out coordinated raids across Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Taraba, the Federal Capital Territory and other locations, resulting in the seizure of tons of illicit drugs.
In Ekiti State, operatives on Monday, December 22, destroyed cannabis warehouses and farms in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638 kilograms of skunk were recovered. In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1 kilograms were seized from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along the Igara–Auchi road.
In Cross River State, raid operations at Agoi-Ibami community in Yakurr Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects—Freedom Jonah Akpama (27), David Itam David (30) and Nelson Arikpo Osam (26)—with a combined 908 kilograms of skunk. Another suspect, Joy Oisamaye, 42, was arrested along the Abaji–Abuja expressway with 38 kilograms of cannabis while travelling from Edo State.
Lagos operatives also arrested Ajoke Dauda with 45.5 kilograms of skunk at Agbara on Christmas Day, while Oluwasegun Felix was apprehended a day earlier at Itoga, Badagry, with 18.5 kilograms of the same substance. In Taraba State, Emmanuel Danladi (39) and John Onoja (41) were arrested in Takum area with 48 kilograms of cannabis.
In Gombe State, NDLEA officers intercepted a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, along the Gombe–Biu highway with 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 tramadol pills, among other opioids.
Meanwhile, a wanted businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as “Brown,” was arrested in Apapa, Lagos, over his alleged involvement in the importation of 26 kilograms of “Loud,” a strong strain of cannabis seized earlier at the Tincan Island Port during a joint container examination by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies.
The agency said it also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns nationwide, reaching schools, religious centres, workplaces and communities across several states.
Commending officers involved in the operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their commitment and urged them to remain vigilant during the festive season and beyond, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in all drug control efforts.
