The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intensified its operations against drug trafficking across Nigeria, leading to the arrest of a 74-year-old man with 11 kilograms of cocaine at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The suspect, identified as Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the airport’s departure hall while attempting to board a British Airways flight bound for London.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that the illicit drugs were discovered during routine screening procedures at the airport.
According to him, the cocaine was concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil and balloons in an attempt to evade security checks. The suspect reportedly claimed he was travelling abroad for a vacation, but officials said the discovery of the drugs contradicted his explanation.
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The arrest forms part of a series of operations carried out by the agency across the country in the past week as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
In Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested a woman, Maryam Olalowo, in the Victoria Island area while she was allegedly attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud cannabis. Officials said she was with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the arrest.
Further investigations led to the arrest of her husband, Ibrahim Olatunji, who reportedly admitted ownership of the drugs. Authorities said Olatunji had previously been convicted for a similar offence and had served a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence in 2015.
Additional operations in Lagos resulted in the arrest of two suspects, Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, who were found in possession of 68,000 tramadol pills allegedly intended for trafficking to the Benin Republic.
Follow-up raids also led to the recovery of another 1,000 tramadol tablets from Nnamdi Cyprian at Idumota Market, while Nwanosike Kelvin was arrested with 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injections discovered in his shop.
NDLEA operatives also reported large seizures of cannabis-related substances across several states. Authorities said 386 kilograms of skunk were recovered in Kano State, while 282.2 kilograms were seized in Gwagwalada within the Federal Capital Territory.
In Edo State, more than four tonnes of cannabis were destroyed during an operation carried out at the Egwa Forest Reserve in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
In a separate operation at Apapa Seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives working with other security agencies intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup suspected to be part of an illegal shipment.
Reacting to the series of arrests and seizures, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Buba Marwa commended officers across the country for their vigilance.
He said the operations reflect the agency’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks and reduce the availability of illicit substances in Nigerian communities.
Marwa also urged continued collaboration between security agencies and the public to combat the growing threat posed by narcotics trafficking and abuse.
