Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an ex-convict and three airport cargo agents in connection with an attempt to smuggle cocaine concealed inside factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch destined for London, United Kingdom, authorities said. Operatives intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine weighing a total of 1.50 kilograms at the export shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, during a routine inspection of outgoing cargo shipments.
The three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane — were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, after officers uncovered the drug-laden consignment during the security sweep, the NDLEA said in a statement. Subsequent investigations led to the identification of 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the alleged mastermind behind the smuggling attempt.
Basil, a notorious repeat offender, was tracked down and apprehended on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in a follow-up operation at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he was reportedly on a date with his girlfriend at the time of his arrest. The NDLEA’s records show that he had previously been convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.10 kg of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers destined for London, but was handed a sentence that included a fine and community service, after which he allegedly returned to illicit drug operations.
NDLEA officials said all four suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted as investigations continue, including efforts to uncover any collaborators within or outside the airport’s cargo operations. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency to disrupt sophisticated international drug trafficking networks using commercial export channels.