Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled a brazen attempt to traffic illicit drugs across Nigeria’s western border, arresting a Kano-based businesswoman who concealed thousands of tramadol capsules inside a fake pregnancy.
The suspect, 35-year-old Rabi Muhammad, was intercepted on February 16, 2026, at the Seme land border in Lagos State while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic. NDLEA officials said she appeared heavily pregnant at the checkpoint, but a detailed search exposed the pregnancy as a ruse, reports Vanguard.
According to the agency, officers discovered 3,200 capsules of tramadol strapped to her waist in a specially crafted artificial belly designed to beat routine border screening.
Airport, Lekki Arrests
In a related operation at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), NDLEA operatives arrested a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael, as he attempted to board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan via Addis Ababa.
A body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit drugs. Under observation, he excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms. Authorities said he was promised €5,000 to deliver the consignment overseas.
Meanwhile, in the Lekki area of Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested 57-year-old Kolapo Oladapo Raji, Chairman and CEO of Trans Fortress Global Resources, following weeks of surveillance. A search of his residence reportedly led to the recovery of 89.2 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, along with a Toyota Hilux vehicle. Investigators allege he admitted financing and coordinating drug distribution through an established network.
Nationwide Crackdown
The agency said the arrests were part of coordinated operations across several states, including Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Ondo, Bauchi, Delta, and Edo.
In one of the seizures, operatives uncovered 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a joint container examination at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers for their vigilance and professionalism. He reiterated the agency’s resolve to sustain aggressive drug supply suppression while strengthening demand reduction strategies nationwide.
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns aimed at educating students and communities about the dangers of substance abuse.
The NDLEA has intensified surveillance at borders, airports, and seaports in recent months as part of efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.
