Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker and three other suspects over an attempt to export cocaine concealed in factory sealed sachets of liquid starch to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The suspect, identified as Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, was earlier convicted in 2023 for trafficking a large consignment of methamphetamine but was re arrested after investigators linked him to a fresh attempt to smuggle cocaine abroad. NDLEA officials described the arrest as another example of the persistence of drug trafficking networks and the agency’s renewed efforts to dismantle them.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA disclosed that operatives intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine weighing a total of 1.50 kilograms during routine checks at the export shed of the Lagos airport. The illicit substance was ingeniously concealed in factory sealed sachets of cold water starch, packaged to evade detection and falsely declared as harmless food items destined for the United Kingdom.
According to Babafemi, the seizure occurred during profiling and examination of export cargo scheduled to be airlifted to the UK. Suspicion was raised following inconsistencies in documentation and intelligence driven monitoring, leading to a thorough search that uncovered the concealed cocaine.
Following the seizure, NDLEA operatives immediately arrested three cargo handling agents believed to be directly involved in processing and attempting to export the consignment. The arrested suspects were identified as Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane. They were taken into custody on Saturday, December 20, 2025, as investigations commenced to uncover the source and network behind the consignment.
Babafemi stated that further intelligence gathering and interrogation of the suspects led operatives to uncover the identity of the mastermind behind the operation. Subsequent investigations revealed that the cocaine shipment was coordinated by 37 year old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, a familiar name in the NDLEA criminal database.
“He was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday, December 21, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, Lagos, where he had gone on a date with his girlfriend,” Babafemi disclosed. The arrest was carried out without incident, bringing an abrupt end to what investigators described as a calculated attempt to re establish an international drug trafficking route.
The NDLEA spokesperson further revealed that Basil is not a first time offender. Agency records showed that he was previously arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers. That consignment was part of a consolidated cargo bound for London, United Kingdom, and was intercepted at the same export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Following his arrest in 2023, Basil was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Lagos, in charge number FHC L 337C 2023. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of seven million naira. In addition to the fine, the court imposed one month of community service, with the sentence taking effect from December 4, 2023.
Babafemi noted that Basil paid the fine and was released shortly thereafter, only to return to drug trafficking activities. “He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime,” the NDLEA spokesperson said, expressing concern over the tendency of some convicted traffickers to resume illicit activities after serving minimal punishment.
The NDLEA described the concealment method used in the latest operation as another attempt by drug trafficking syndicates to exploit everyday household products to move narcotics across international borders. The agency warned exporters, freight forwarders, and logistics operators to be vigilant and avoid being used as conduits for drug trafficking.
Officials also reiterated that the agency has intensified surveillance at all ports of entry and exit, including airports, seaports, and land borders, using a combination of intelligence led operations, technology, and human expertise to intercept illicit drugs and arrest those involved.
The arrests come amid ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to curb the trafficking of illicit drugs from Nigeria to Europe and other parts of the world. In recent months, the agency has recorded several seizures involving cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances concealed in food items, textiles, cosmetics, and industrial goods.
Babafemi reaffirmed the commitment of the NDLEA leadership to pursue drug traffickers relentlessly, regardless of their previous convictions or tactics. He warned that repeat offenders would face the full weight of the law and that the agency would continue to strengthen collaboration with international partners to dismantle transnational drug networks.
Investigations into the latest case are ongoing, while the suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of preliminary inquiries. The NDLEA urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting that community support remains critical to winning the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.
