NDLEA intercepts UK-bound cocaine stash
By Wellington Jopelo
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have apprehended a previously convicted drug offender, Nwobodo Basil, together with three cargo handlers, in connection with a foiled attempt to ship cocaine to the United Kingdom.
According to the agency, a total of 75 wraps of cocaine, with a combined weight of 1.50 kilogrammes, were discovered during checks at the export terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. The illicit substance was cleverly concealed inside unopened sachets of cold-water starch meant for export.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that 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 investigations, he said, led operatives to 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, who was identified as the mastermind behind the shipment. He was arrested the following day at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja.
Babafemi revealed that Nwobodo was previously convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers and bound for London.
“He was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos, convicted, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a N7m fine and one month of community service. He paid the fine and shortly returned to drug trafficking,” the NDLEA said.
The agency also reported other arrests across the country. In Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was apprehended along the Gombe–Biu highway while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 tramadol pills and other opioids en route to Biu in Borno State.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as Brown, in connection with the seizure of 26kg of “loud” cannabis at the Tincan Seaport. The drugs were intercepted on December 10 during a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies, while Egbochie was tracked and arrested in Apapa on December 19.
Babafemi added that between December 21 and 25, 2025, NDLEA operatives destroyed drug warehouses and seized large quantities of cannabis in Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Abuja, Lagos and Taraba states.
In Ekiti State, operatives set ablaze cannabis warehouses in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638kg of skunk was recovered. In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along the Igara–Auchi Road.
In Cross River State, raids conducted at Agoi-Ibami community in Yakurr Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of large quantities of skunk. The suspects were identified as Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and bringing offenders to justice nationwide.