Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items while travelling to the United Kingdom.
Emeka was apprehended at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow, London, on Saturday, March 14, 2026. A search of his luggage revealed blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil papers and balloons and hidden inside food items, including ground dry pepper, according to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi.
“The 74-year-old grandpa, who claimed he was travelling to London for vacation, was arrested after 11 kilograms of cocaine were discovered concealed in his luggage,” the statement read.
The agency also reported multiple arrests and seizures across the country in separate operations.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, on March 9, while attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis. She was with her three children, including an infant, at the time. Investigations revealed the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was subsequently taken into custody. Ibrahim had previously been arrested and sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for a similar offence in 2015.
Also in Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested two suspects, Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, after recovering 68,000 tramadol pills in a truck allegedly bound for Benin. A follow-up raid at Idumota Market led to the arrest of Nnamdi Cyprian, with 1,000 tramadol tablets found for delivery. Another market operation resulted in the arrest of Nwanosike Kelvin and the recovery of 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection.
In northern Nigeria, NDLEA operatives arrested Magaji Dan Azumi with 386 kilograms of skunk in Bebeji, and Isah Wako with 282.2 kilograms of the same substance in Gwagwalada. In Edo State, operatives raided the Egwa Forest Reserve, arresting Chinedo Odalonu and destroying 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk while recovering an additional 16.5 kilograms.
At Apapa Seaport, NDLEA officers, in collaboration with customs, intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in two watch-listed containers.
NDLEA Chairman and CEO Buba Marwa commended operatives across Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Edo states for their efforts, urging sustained actions to reduce the supply and demand of illicit drugs in the country.
