The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major breakthroughs in its nationwide anti-drug operations, recovering large consignments of skunk, opioids and cocaine across Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Taraba, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos, while arresting a previously convicted drug trafficker and a wanted businessman linked to a major seizure at the Tincan Seaport.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, 2025, by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, the agency confirmed the re-arrest of Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, a notorious drug trafficker earlier convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine.
Nwobodo was apprehended following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms, concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch destined for the United Kingdom.
The drugs were intercepted at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
Three cargo agents Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane were initially arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, during the failed export attempt. Further investigations revealed Nwobodo, 37, as the mastermind. He was subsequently arrested on Sunday, December 21, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja.
NDLEA records show that Nwobodo was arrested in May 2023 over the seizure of 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers bound for London. He was convicted by a Federal High Court and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a N7 million fine and one-month community service, which he paid before returning to drug trafficking.
In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives on Monday, December 22, set ablaze tons of skunk and wooden warehouses in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638kg of cannabis was also 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 on the same day.
Raid operations in Cross River State on Sunday, December 21, at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr Local Government Area, led to the arrest of three suspects: Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg of skunk; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.
Along the Abaji–Abuja Expressway, a 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested on Monday, December 22, while transporting 38kg of skunk from Edo State.
In Lagos, a female suspect, Ajoke Dauda, was arrested on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, at Agbara along the Badagry Expressway with 45.5kg of skunk. Another suspect, Oluwasegun Felix, was nabbed a day earlier at Itoga, Badagry, with 18.5kg of the same substance.
In Taraba State, two suspects Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41—were arrested in Takum area with a total of 48kg of skunk between December 23 and 24.
In Gombe State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, along the Gombe–Biu Highway while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 pills of tramadol and other opioids en route to Biu, Borno State.
Meanwhile, a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as “Brown,” who was wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud cannabis weighing 26kg at the Tincan Seaport, was arrested in Apapa on December 19. The illicit drugs were earlier seized on December 10 during a joint container examination by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies.
The agency also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns nationwide, reaching schools, worship centres and communities in states including Anambra, Katsina and Kogi.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their dedication and urged them to remain vigilant during the festive season and beyond, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
