NDLEA Arrests 74-Year-Old Man With Cocaine Concealed in Pepper at Abuja Airport as Nigeria Intensifies Drug Trafficking Crackdown!

Reported by Musa Antiketu, | Journalist at Sele Media Africa

Nigeria’s anti-narcotics authorities have arrested a 74-year-old man accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine hidden inside bags of dried pepper through Abuja’s international airport, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated methods used by drug traffickers operating across West Africa.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the (NDLEA) at the , where officials discovered approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed within packaged pepper during routine inspection of outbound luggage.
According to NDLEA officials, the suspect identified as a 74-year-old Nigerian man was intercepted while attempting to board an international flight from the federal capital. Security screening and subsequent inspection revealed the illicit drugs carefully hidden inside bags of dried pepper, a tactic traffickers often use to mask the scent of narcotics and evade detection by sniffer dogs and airport scanners.
The NDLEA confirmed that the cocaine weighed about 11 kilograms, a quantity authorities say indicates involvement in organized trafficking rather than personal possession. The agency noted that the discovery forms part of a broader pattern of drug smuggling attempts through Nigeria’s major airports.
The NDLEA chairman, , has repeatedly warned that drug syndicates are increasingly exploiting vulnerable individuals including elderly citizens and young couriers to transport narcotics across international routes. Officials say such tactics are designed to reduce suspicion during security checks.
Authorities stated that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as investigators seek to uncover the wider network behind the trafficking attempt. NDLEA officials emphasized that arrests often lead to additional operations targeting suppliers, coordinators, and international collaborators linked to drug cartels.
Rising Drug Trafficking Challenges in Nigeria
The case comes amid a sustained crackdown by Nigerian authorities on drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond the country’s borders. Nigeria’s strategic geographic position and its busy international airports have long made it a transit hub for narcotics moving between South America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
In recent years, the NDLEA has intensified surveillance at major air and sea ports, increasing drug detection capabilities through advanced scanning equipment, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation.
The agency has also reported several other drug seizures across the country in recent weeks, including interceptions involving cannabis, methamphetamine, and tramadol shipments. Many of these operations have occurred at airports, seaports, and border crossings where traffickers attempt to disguise narcotics within everyday goods such as food products, textiles, and industrial cargo.
Security analysts say such concealment strategies reflect the evolving tactics used by criminal networks attempting to bypass law enforcement.
Public Health and Security Concerns
Beyond law enforcement implications, drug trafficking continues to raise major public health and security concerns across Nigeria and the broader West African region. Experts warn that the proliferation of narcotics contributes to addiction, youth vulnerability, and the strengthening of transnational organized crime networks.
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to both enforcement and prevention, combining arrests and seizures with public awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging drug abuse and trafficking.
Authorities have also called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly around transportation hubs and cargo operations.
As investigations into the Abuja airport case continue, the NDLEA says it remains focused on dismantling trafficking syndicates and strengthening Nigeria’s role in regional anti-drug efforts.
Officials insist that no individual regardless of age, social status, or background will be exempt from prosecution if found involved in the illicit drug trade.

Sources; punch newspaper, vanguard, daily trust

Antiketu Musa

Musa Antiketu is a journalist with Sele Media Africa from Kogi State, Nigeria, driven by a deep commitment to truth and integrity in reporting. She is passionate about crafting compelling narratives on current affairs, sports, and trending international news, bringing clarity and insight to complex issues. Currently pursuing a degree in History and International Studies at Prince Abubakar Audu University, she combines strong research ability with effective communication skills to produce engaging, impactful content that advances organizational goals while fostering her continuous professional growth.

www.selemedia.org