Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a 35-year-old woman, identified as Rabi Muhammad, over an attempt to smuggle thousands of tramadol capsules concealed in a fabricated pregnancy at the Seme land border in Lagos State.
The suspect, described as a Kano-based businesswoman, was apprehended on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the departure section of the Seme border while allegedly attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic. According to the agency, officers became suspicious after observing her protruding abdomen and movements during routine profiling at the border post.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 22, the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said a subsequent full body search revealed that the suspect was not pregnant. Instead, her abdomen had been strapped with a pink-colored calabash designed to mimic a baby bump.
Inside the improvised concealment were 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which the suspect allegedly intended to transport across the border for sale. The agency described the method as unusual but indicative of evolving smuggling tactics employed by drug traffickers seeking to evade detection.
Officials stated that the capsules were securely fastened around the suspect’s stomach beneath her clothing, creating the outward appearance of pregnancy. The concealment device was reportedly designed to avoid arousing suspicion, particularly in a setting where physical searches are conducted with sensitivity.
The Seme land border, located between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, remains one of the busiest entry and exit points in West Africa. Authorities have repeatedly identified the corridor as a transit route for illicit drugs and other contraband moving between countries.
Babafemi said the interception reflects ongoing efforts by the agency to strengthen surveillance and intelligence-driven operations at key border crossings. He emphasized that traffickers continue to adopt unconventional methods to disguise illegal consignments but noted that enhanced profiling techniques and vigilance by officers have contributed to recent seizures.
Tramadol, a synthetic opioid analgesic, is regulated in Nigeria due to its potential for abuse and addiction. High-dose variants have been linked to substance dependency and are frequently cited in enforcement reports concerning illicit trafficking networks.
The agency confirmed that the suspect is in custody and undergoing further investigation. Upon conclusion of preliminary inquiries, she is expected to face prosecution under relevant drug control laws.
Security analysts note that cross-border trafficking networks often exploit commercial and informal travel routes to move narcotics within the sub-region. Enhanced collaboration between Nigerian authorities and neighboring countries has been identified as a key strategy in disrupting such operations.
The NDLEA reiterated its warning to individuals involved in drug trafficking, stating that enforcement measures will remain sustained across airports, seaports, and land borders. Officials maintain that continued vigilance and intelligence gathering are critical to curbing the movement of illicit substances through Nigeria’s territorial corridors.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments