NDLEA arrests Ugandan woman with cocaine hidden in underwear
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe NDLEA has arrested a Ugandan woman, Farida Nansubuga, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for attempting to smuggle 1.15kg of cocaine. The suspect had exploited a religious trip to the Synagogue Church of All Nations to facilitate the drug trafficking operation.
Context & Background
- ✦Drug cartels are increasingly exploiting religious travel and spiritual pilgrimages to recruit unsuspecting or willing couriers for illicit trade.
- ✦The NDLEA continues to maintain high-level surveillance at Nigerian airports, resulting in the interception of both hard drugs and large quantities of diverted pharmaceutical tablets.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), NDLEA Chairman, condemned the exploitation of religious activities for drug trafficking.•Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, confirmed the arrest and the seizure of 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol valued at N900 million.
Outlook & Next Steps
The suspect remains in custody for further investigation, while the NDLEA continues its nationwide operations to intercept illicit drug shipments arriving from international routes.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport arrested 34-year-old Ugandan national Farida Nansubuga for attempting to smuggle 1.15kg of cocaine.
- The suspect, who entered Nigeria for a religious prayer session, allegedly hid 87 wraps of cocaine in her pelvic region to transport them to Uganda for a contact.
- The NDLEA also reported a separate major seizure at the Lagos airport involving 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol valued at N900 million.
Key Facts:October 29, 2026: Farida Nansubuga arrived in Nigeria with her church delegation for a prayer session.November 3, 2026: The suspect was intercepted by NDLEA and aviation security while attempting to board a flight to Uganda.November 6, 2026: NDLEA operatives uncovered 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg with a street value of N900 million.
Editorial Excerpt
A 34-year-old Ugandan woman, Farida Nansubuga, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1.15 kilogrammes of cocaine from Nigeria to Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
How did the suspect conceal the cocaine during her attempt to smuggle it?
The suspect strapped 87 wraps of cocaine beneath two layers of underwear in her pelvic region.
What was the suspect's motivation for staying behind in Nigeria after her church group left?
She stayed behind to collect the cocaine consignment on behalf of a friend identified as Joy who resides in Uganda, expecting a payment of at least $1,000.
