NDLEA Busts Cocaine Trafficker At Kano Airport, Seizes 120 Wraps

Angolan Businessman Arrested for Drug Trafficking at Kano Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey.

Cocaine Trafficker Caught at Kano Airport

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Abuba, a native of Zaire province in Angola, was detained on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, during a routine security screening at the airport. He was scheduled to board Egypt Air Flight MS 880, destined for Istanbul via Cairo.

Following a body scan that confirmed he had ingested illegal substances, officials placed him under close observation. Over the course of seven excretions, he expelled 120 cocaine pellets, weighing approximately 1.829 kilograms.

Suspect’s Confession and Drug Network

Abuba confessed that he previously operated a township delivery business in Angola before turning to drug trafficking.

In a related case, NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, foiled an attempt by auto spare parts dealer Okeke Ebuka Igwe to smuggle 1.10kg of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola. Following credible intelligence, officers arrested him on Monday, February 24.

Another suspect, Ezechi Iyke Cyprian, was caught transporting 5.40kg of cocaine to Owerri, Imo State, in a Toyota Sienna bus on Sunday, February 23. NDLEA’s special operations unit had been monitoring him for weeks before his arrest.

Massive Drug Seizures in Lagos and Across Nigeria

In a significant drug bust at Tincan Seaport in Lagos on Friday, February 28, NDLEA, in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies, uncovered 128 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain, hidden inside two mattresses in a Toyota Venza imported from Canada. The total consignment weighed 63.75kg, and authorities detained 44-year-old consignee Bamidele Joseph.

Additionally, NDLEA operatives in Delta State, backed by military personnel, raided a 20-hectare cannabis farm in Innam-Abbi/Orogun on February 27. Over 50,000kg of illicit cannabis was destroyed, and five suspects were arrested: Augustine Subaru (45), Ukoba Malachukwu (53), Odalonu Emmanuel (40), Esuabom Macaulay (35), and Itoje Safe (54).

NDLEA Strikes Drug Syndicates Nationwide

In Edo State, operatives raided the Okpuje community in Owan West LGA on March 1, seizing 1,409.5kg of skunk and apprehending Oikelomen Osere Monday (38) and Glory Iroyo (42).
A suspect, Michael Omoloki (46), was caught with 58.5kg of skunk along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Oyo State.
In Kwara State, NDLEA arrested Beninese national Lawali Mohammed on February 24 with 2,980 tramadol tablets and several diazepam pills at Eiyenkorin Expressway, Ilorin.
In Osun State, a routine patrol along Ibadan-Gbongan Expressway on February 27 led to the discovery of 1.05kg of skunk hidden in detergent and biscuit cartons. The suspect, Sunday Ogbu (45), was taken into custody.
A Zamfara resident, Ayuba Mustapha (30), was caught with 24,700 tramadol pills on February 23.
Mustapha Shettima (50) was arrested in Borno State with 31kg of skunk and 1,000 tramadol pills, along with N720,000 in cash, on February 26.
On the same day, Adamu Idris (40) was caught in Kano with 140 blocks of cannabis weighing 73.5kg.

NDLEA’s Continued Anti-Drug Campaign

As part of its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, NDLEA has intensified sensitization efforts in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities. Recent awareness lectures were held at:

Ansarudeen Junior Secondary School, Ojuelegba, Lagos
Loretto Girls Special Science School, Adazinnukwu, Anambra
Tudun Murtala Special Primary School, Nasarawa, Kano

NDLEA Chairman Commends Officers

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the dedication of officers across multiple commands, including MMIA, MAKIA, SOU, Tincan, Delta, Edo, Oyo, Kano, Osun, Borno, Zamfara, and Kwara. He highlighted their commitment to reducing drug supply and demand through strategic enforcement and public awareness campaigns. NDLEA Official Website

Conclusion

The NDLEA’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking across Nigeria continue to yield remarkable results. With increasing crackdowns on illicit drug networks, the agency remains committed to eradicating substance abuse and ensuring a safer society.