NDLEA Nabs Female Drug Mule at Lagos Airport with Cocaine Hidden in Suitcase
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 43-year-old make-up artist, Adekoya Adebukonla Mary, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, after 2.2 kilograms of cocaine were found factory-fitted into the walls of her suitcase.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, June 22, 2025, by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was arrested on Monday, June 16, as she attempted to board a Qatar Airways flight to India via Doha, under the guise of seeking fibroid surgery.
NDLEA agents, acting on credible intelligence, placed Adekoya under surveillance. She was allowed to check in her luggage before being intercepted at the boarding gate. A thorough search revealed two large parcels of cocaine expertly concealed within the lining of her bag.
During interrogation, Adekoya confessed to trafficking the drugs in exchange for financial gain, using the fibroid surgery claim as a cover. Investigations revealed she was recruited by a wanted drug baron, Akeem Ayinde Adekanbi, who owns Rockford Hotel in the Sango area of Ogun State and resides in Igbe Laara, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos.
Courier and Road Interceptions: More Busts Nationwide
In a series of coordinated operations, NDLEA also intercepted multiple drug shipments and arrested several suspects across Nigeria:
Lagos Courier Crackdown
June 19: At a courier firm in Lagos, officers intercepted a parcel headed to Bahrain containing 1.3kg of Loud, a potent cannabis strain, sewn into female dresses.
June 18: Another courier firm intercepted 850 grams of cocaine ingeniously hidden in cloth hangers, destined for Australia.
Bauchi Arrests
On June 16, along the Bauchi-Darazo Road, officers arrested Ibrahim Galadima (37) and Ibrahim Muhammed (28) with over 1 million opioid pills, including tramadol, diazepam, and exol-5.
Kaduna Seizures
June 17: NDLEA operatives arrested Bishir Isyaku (38) with 14.2kg of skunk and 198kg of rubber solution, hidden in sacks of charcoal and cartons, along Kaduna-Zaria expressway.
FCT Raids
On June 18, operatives raided Karu Abattoir and Torabora in Abuja, arresting six suspects including Murtala Adamu and Ahmed Isma’il. Recovered: 6.9kg of skunk and 59g of methamphetamine.
Kano Drug Hauls
June 19: Along the Zaria-Kano Road, Umar Hamisu (19) and Dahiru Abdullahi (32) were arrested with 56.2kg of skunk.
Same day, Obiwuru Henry (27) was caught with 23,720 tramadol capsules and 1,400 ampoules of pentazocine.
June 21: Abubakar Modu (60) and Abdulkadir Muhammed (28) were arrested with 36.6kg and 32kg of skunk, respectively.
Ilorin Student Busted
June 19: Olotin Nifemi (22), a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, was caught with 1kg of skunk along Kwara Poly Road. She was described as a key dealer supplying drugs to students.
Massive Farm Raid in Edo
June 20: In Owan West LGA, Edo, NDLEA raided Ugbada camp in Uzebba forest, destroying over 4,226kg of skunk. Albert Shamaki (33) was arrested.
June 19: At Big Jamaya Supermarket in Esan West, Esther Abumere (28) was arrested with an array of drugs including Colorado, Loud, Molly, and opioids.
A separate bust at a shop in Igueben led to the seizure of 1.143kg of skunk and the arrest of Eko Gift (38).
NDLEA Intensifies War on Drug Trafficking Nationwide
The NDLEA’s recent operations reveal a disturbing trend in drug trafficking, with operatives uncovering increasingly creative smuggling methods and deepening networks. From airports and courier services to hidden farm operations and student networks, the agency continues its aggressive push to dismantle drug syndicates across Nigeria.
