The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a former convicted drug trafficker and three accomplices after seizing a consignment of cocaine hidden in liquid starch sachets destined for the United Kingdom through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Arrests and Seizure Details

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, agency operatives discovered 75 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.5 kilograms at the airport’s export shed. The seizure led to the arrest of three freight agents — Jubrin Hassana, Kuku Oluwasegun, and Igwe Jane — on Saturday, December 20, 2025, while they were processing the illicit cargo.

Further investigation identified 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere as the coordinator of the shipment. He was apprehended the following day at a relaxation centre in Ikeja. Babafemi noted that Nwobodo had previously been convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.1 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers for export to the UK. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid before allegedly resuming his drug trafficking activities.

Nationwide Drug Seizures

In separate operations across Nigeria, NDLEA officers recorded significant seizures of cannabis and other illicit substances.

In Ekiti State, cannabis warehouses in the Ara forest were dismantled, with 638 kilograms of skunk recovered.

Edo State saw the interception of 883.1 kilograms of compressed cannabis sativa from three vehicles along the Igara–Auchi road.

In Cross River State, raids in Yakurr Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of over 900 kilograms of skunk. Additionally, a woman traveling from Edo State was caught along the Abaji–Abuja expressway with 38 kilograms of cannabis.

Lagos State authorities recorded multiple arrests, including the confiscation of more than 60 kilograms of skunk from suspects in Badagry and Agbara.

In Taraba State, two men were apprehended in Takum with 48 kilograms of cannabis, while a 65-year-old driver was arrested in Gombe with large quantities of tramadol, pentazocine injections, and other opioids destined for Borno State.

NDLEA also confirmed the arrest of 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie, alias “Brown,” wanted in connection with the seizure of 26 kilograms of “Loud” cannabis previously intercepted at Tincan Seaport, Lagos.

Ongoing Efforts and Public Engagement

NDLEA continues to carry out its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns across the country, engaging students, teachers, worshippers, and community members in states such as Anambra, Katsina, and Kogi.

Meanwhile, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers involved in the recent operations. He urged personnel nationwide to maintain vigilance and uphold professionalism, particularly during the festive season and beyond.