NDLEA Nabs Female Drug Courier With Fake Pregnancy, Arrests Others In Major Drug Busts

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled multiple attempts by suspected traffickers to smuggle illicit drugs through the Seme Border and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano, uncovering substances hidden in a fake pregnancy and inside a suspect’s stomach.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement shared via his official X handle on Sunday.

According to the statement, NDLEA officers intercepted a 35-year-old businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, on Monday, February 16, 2026, while she attempted to cross into Cotonou, Benin, through the Seme border.

Officers became suspicious after noticing her unusually protruding stomach. A search revealed that her “pregnancy” was fake, a pink-coloured calabash strapped to her abdomen contained 3,200 capsules of tramadol intended for sale across the border.

“Her baby bump was designed with a pink-coloured calabash used to conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol,” Babafemi said. “She was taking them to Cotonou to sell.”

On the same day, NDLEA operatives at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael during outward clearance for passengers boarding an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa.

A body scan confirmed that he had ingested illicit drugs. Under observation, he later excreted 82 wraps of cocaineweighing 1.49 kilograms.

Investigations showed Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, and travelled between Lagos, Enugu, and Kano before ingesting the cocaine consignment. He was reportedly promised €5,000 upon delivery in Milan.

“The suspect claimed his father, Bade Gohouri, is an Ivorian, while his mother hails from Enugu State,” Babafemi said, adding that he had sought asylum in Italy in 2013 and holds a resident permit valid until May 2026.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested the Chairman/CEO of Trans Fortress Global Resources, Kolapo Oladapo Raji, at his residence in Ikate, Lekki, following credible intelligence linking him to drug trafficking.

Raji, 57, had been on the agency’s watchlist since 2025. A search of his apartment led to the recovery of four large bags containing 89.2kg of “Canadian Loud”, a strong strain of cannabis, and a 2024 Toyota Hilux vehicle.

“Raji admitted to getting involved in the drug trade after financing consignments for his overseas associate,” Babafemi stated. “He said the huge profits motivated him to set up his own distribution channel.”

Babafemi reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug networks across Nigeria and bringing traffickers to justice.

“These arrests reflect our unwavering resolve to protect Nigeria’s image and public health by intercepting illicit drugs and exposing the traffickers behind them,” he said.

The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NDLEA office.