The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple drug trafficking attempts involving concealed cocaine, tramadol, and cannabis at key entry and exit points across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, operatives arrested a 35-year-old businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, at the Seme land border while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic. A body search revealed that her apparent pregnancy was fake, with a makeshift bump concealing 3,200 capsules of tramadol strapped to her abdomen.
At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), officers apprehended a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, during clearance for an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan. A body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit substances. He later excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms. NDLEA said he was to be paid €5,000 upon delivery in Italy.
In Lagos, operatives arrested Kolapo Oladapo Raji, identified as a real estate executive, at his Lekki residence following months of surveillance. A search reportedly yielded 89.2 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, and a 2024 Toyota Hilux vehicle. The suspect allegedly admitted financing drug consignments before establishing his own distribution network.
Further operations led to the arrest of suspects in Lagos, including two individuals caught with 56kg and 76kg of skunk at Agbara and Oshodi respectively.
At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies uncovered 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup in a container flagged through intelligence.
Along the Okene/Lokoja highway in Kogi State, officers recovered 7,300 tramadol pills concealed in sound systems aboard a commercial bus. Two suspects were later arrested in Abuja in connection with the shipment.
Additional seizures were recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Delta, and Edo states, including large quantities of cannabis recovered from forests and farms, with several suspects apprehended.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s commands for their coordinated operations, noting that ongoing efforts reflect a balanced strategy of drug supply reduction and demand control nationwide.
