Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Kano-based businesswoman accused of attempting to smuggle thousands of tramadol capsules concealed under a fabricated pregnancy bump at the Seme border.
In a statement issued by agency spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect — identified as Rabi Muhammed — was apprehended while preparing to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Suspicion at the Border
According to the NDLEA, officers became suspicious of Muhammed’s visibly protruding abdomen during routine checks at the departure area of the border facility. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered a pink-colored calabash strapped to her stomach and shaped to mimic a pregnancy.
Inside the container, officials said they discovered 3,200 capsules of tramadol. The opioids were reportedly intended for distribution in Cotonou before further circulation within the region.
Cocaine Seizure at Kano Airport
In a separate operation the same day, NDLEA agents in Kano intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian national identified as Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael, during outbound clearance for an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa.
A body scan reportedly confirmed he had ingested illicit substances. After being placed under medical observation, he allegedly excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing approximately 1.49 kilograms.
Investigators said the suspect had traveled between Lagos and Enugu for several weeks before moving to Kano, where he allegedly swallowed the drug consignments in preparation for international transport. Authorities claim he was to receive €5,000 upon successful delivery in Milan.
The suspect reportedly holds both Ivorian and Nigerian identification documents and has been residing in Italy under an asylum arrangement.
Nationwide Crackdown Intensifies
The NDLEA added that its recent enforcement efforts extended across multiple states, including Lagos, Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Delta, and Kogi, targeting both domestic and transnational trafficking networks.
Among those arrested was a 68-year-old woman allegedly linked to a distribution ring.
In Lagos, operatives also detained Kolapo Raji, described by the agency as a high-value target who had been under surveillance since 2025. He was arrested at his residence in Ikate, Lekki, shortly after returning from the United Kingdom.
A search of the property allegedly led to the seizure of four large bags containing 89.2 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis. Authorities also recovered a 2024 Toyota Hilux vehicle at the time of arrest.
According to the NDLEA, Raji admitted to entering the drug trade after initially financing shipments for an overseas associate. He allegedly expanded into independent distribution following substantial profits from earlier transactions.
Border and Airport Security Under Focus
The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling organized drug syndicates that exploit Nigeria’s land borders and international airports as transit corridors.
Officials say intensified surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and inter-agency collaboration remain central to curbing narcotics trafficking and safeguarding public health and security.
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