NDLEA cocaine starch sachets arrest, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil ex-convict, UK-bound drug trafficking Nigeria, Lagos airport cocaine seizure 2025, and NDLEA operations December are making headlines as the anti-narcotics agency foils another sophisticated smuggling attempt.
Vigilance pays off at Nigeria’s busiest airport. Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a notorious repeat offender, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil (37), along with three cargo agents, after intercepting 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms cleverly concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water soluble starch destined for the United Kingdom.
The seizure occurred at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed in a statement on December 28, 2025, that the three cargo agents—Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane—were arrested on December 20 during initial investigations. Follow-up operations led to Basil’s arrest on December 21 at a popular relaxation spot in Ikeja, where he was on a date with his girlfriend.
Basil’s criminal history adds gravity to the case: He was previously convicted in 2023 for attempting to export 30.10kg of methamphetamine hidden in powdered custard containers to London. Sentenced to five years with an option of a ₦7 million fine plus community service, he paid the fine and—alarmingly—returned to trafficking soon after.
This bust highlights evolving smuggling tactics, using everyday household items like starch to evade detection. The cocaine, if successful, could have fueled addiction and crime abroad while undermining Nigeria’s international reputation.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the operatives, reiterating zero tolerance for drug syndicates. Separate raids across states like Edo, Ekiti, and Lagos yielded massive cannabis hauls, showing the agency’s nationwide offensive.
For global audiences, this operation underscores Nigeria’s frontline role in combating transnational drug flows, particularly to Europe. It impacts U.S. interests too, as cocaine routes often intersect with networks affecting American streets. Economically, such seizures protect youth and communities from substance abuse’s devastating effects.
As prosecutions loom, the case serves as a deterrent to repeat offenders and enablers in the cargo chain.
The ingenuity of traffickers meets determined enforcement. With NDLEA cocaine starch sachets arrest, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil ex-convict, UK-bound drug trafficking Nigeria, Lagos airport cocaine seizure 2025, and NDLEA operations December trending, public support for anti-drug efforts grows amid calls for stricter penalties.
In summary, the swift arrest of ex-convict Basil and his accomplices prevents a major cocaine export, reinforcing NDLEA’s resolve against relentless drug cartels targeting international routes.
By Sam Michael
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, previously convicted of dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine in 2023.
Naija News reports that a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Basil was arrested along with three cargo agents over the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch heading to the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The statement read, “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, 20th December 2025, before further investigations unravelled 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind. He was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday 21st December 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.”
Babafemi also disclosed that the NDLEA operatives during another operation 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.
He said, “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, 22nd December.”
Similarly, a raid operation conducted on Sunday, December 21, at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, in Cross River State, led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of various quantities of skunk.
The suspects include, Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.
The agency said in another operation, a 42-year-old lady, identified as 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.
In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along the Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno state.
NDLEA also stated that a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, has been arrested 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.”
The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) acknowledged the commitment of his operatives and enjoined them to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.
Marwa also charged them to maintain the highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.
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