Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside food items.
The suspect was apprehended at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow Airport on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, a search of Emeka’s luggage revealed blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil papers and balloons and hidden inside food items, including ground dry pepper.
“A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered in foil papers and balloons concealed in his luggage,” the statement said.
The agency also reported several other arrests and seizures in different parts of the country.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites while she was allegedly attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis. She was reportedly with her three children, including an infant, at the time of her arrest.
Babafemi said she confessed that the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was later arrested.
Investigations also revealed that he had previously been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment in 2015 for a similar offence.
In another operation on Lagos Island, NDLEA officers arrested Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim after recovering 68,000 tramadol pills loaded in a truck allegedly meant for transport to Benin.
A follow-up raid at Idumota Market led to the arrest of Nnamdi Cyprian, believed to be the owner of the consignment, where officers also recovered a parcel containing 1,000 tramadol tablets prepared for waybill delivery.
Another raid at the market resulted in the arrest of Nwanosike Kelvin and the recovery of 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection.
In separate operations, NDLEA operatives arrested Magaji Dan Azumi, 42, with 386 kilograms of skunk in Bebeji, and Isah Wako with 282.2 kilograms of the same substance in Gwagwalada.
In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, NDLEA officers raided the Egwa Forest Reserve, arresting Chinedo Odalonu and destroying 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk cultivated on two farms while recovering 16.5 kilograms.
At Apapa Seaport, NDLEA officers working with the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in two containers that had been placed under watch following intelligence reports.
Reacting to the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Buba Marwa commended officers in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Edo states for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain efforts aimed at reducing the supply and demand of illicit drugs across the country.
