NDLEA Cracks Down on Drug Trafficking: Angolan Businessman Arrested with Cocaine in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its fight against drug trafficking, apprehending a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 25, 2025. Abuba, hailing from Zaire province, was caught attempting to smuggle 1.829 kilograms of cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey, via Egypt Air flight MS 880. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that a body scan confirmed Abuba had ingested the drugs, leading to his arrest and observation, during which he expelled 120 cocaine pellets. The suspect, previously a township delivery serviceman in Angola, admitted to venturing into the illicit trade.

This arrest is part of a broader wave of successful NDLEA operations. On February 24, operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos thwarted an attempt by Okeke Ebuka Igwe, an auto parts dealer from ASPANDA, to ship 1.10 kilograms of cocaine hidden in vehicle propellers to Angola. Similarly, Ezechi Iyke Cyprian’s bid to transport 5.40 kilograms of cocaine to Owerri was foiled on February 23 after weeks of surveillance. At Tincan seaport, a joint operation uncovered 63.75 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis concealed in a Toyota Venza from Montreal, leading to the arrest of consignee Bamidele Joseph, 44.

In Delta State, NDLEA, with military support, destroyed over 50,000 kilograms of cannabis on a 20-hectare farm and arrested five suspects, while a separate operation intercepted a truck carrying 1,111 kilograms of skunk. Edo State saw 1,409.5 kilograms of skunk seized in Okpuje, with two arrests. Additional seizures included 58.5 kilograms of skunk in Oyo, 24,700 tramadol pills in Zamfara, and 31 kilograms of skunk plus 1,000 tramadol pills in Borno, among others across Kwara, Osun, and Kano.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the agency’s commands for their relentless efforts, underscoring their commitment to dismantling drug networks. These operations, spanning late February to March 1, 2025, highlight the agency’s proactive stance against trafficking, protecting Nigeria from the scourge of narcotics. As investigations continue, the NDLEA’s resolve signals a stern warning to traffickers: no route—air, land, or sea—is safe for smuggling.