Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after discovering 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items in his luggage while he attempted to travel to the United Kingdom.
Drug trafficking remains a major concern for Nigerian law enforcement authorities, particularly at international airports that serve as major travel gateways.
Agencies such as the NDLEA regularly conduct surveillance, passenger screening and intelligence operations to prevent illegal drugs from leaving or entering the country.
Airports are considered critical checkpoints because traffickers sometimes attempt to conceal narcotics in luggage, food items or other personal belongings during international travel.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect identified as Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, aged 74, was arrested at the departure hall of the Abuja airport.
The arrest occurred on Saturday, March 14, 2026, while he was attempting to board a British Airways flight BA082 bound for Heathrow Airport, London.
NDLEA officials said a search of his luggage uncovered blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil papers and balloons.
The illicit substance had been concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, in an attempt to evade detection.
In a related operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives also arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island on March 9, where she was allegedly attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis.
The agency said the suspect was found with three children, including an infant. Investigations led to the arrest of her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, the same day.
NDLEA stated that Olatunji had previously been arrested, convicted and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment in 2015 for a similar offence.
Further anti-drug operations were carried out in other parts of the country. In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects at Ebute Ero after discovering 68,000 pills of tramadol in a truck prepared for transportation.
The arrests highlight ongoing enforcement efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb drug trafficking across the country.
Airports, ports and major commercial centres remain key locations where security agencies intensify monitoring and screening.
Law enforcement actions against narcotics trafficking are aimed at reducing the circulation of illicit drugs and disrupting networks involved in drug distribution and export.
