The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted cannabis allegedly concealed in a gallon of palm oil at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and seized 8,725 kilogrammes of tramadol powder valued at more than ₦6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizures formed part of a series of anti-drug operations across several states, during which the agency reported additional recoveries of cannabis, pharmaceutical opioids and other controlled substances, as well as arrests of multiple suspects.
According to an NDLEA statement reported by Channels Television on October 18, 2026, a female passenger was arrested on Friday, October 16, during the outward clearance of an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, via Addis Ababa.
Operatives allegedly discovered 511.75 grammes of cannabis concealed inside a gallon of palm oil she was carrying. The agency identified the passenger as Fatimah Ahmad.
The NDLEA said the suspect told investigators that her cousin, Abubakar Yahaya, had given her the gallon. Yahaya was subsequently arrested at the airport car park, according to the agency’s account.
₦6.98 Billion Tramadol Shipment Uncovered at Apapa Port
In a separate operation at the Apapa Port, NDLEA operatives working alongside the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies intercepted a shipment of tramadol powder concealed in cargo declared as maize starch.
The agency said the shipment was discovered on October 2. A confirmatory test conducted at its forensic laboratory identified the substance as tramadol hydrochloride powder.
When the contents were separated from their concealment on October 14, officials recorded 349 bags with a combined gross weight of 8,725 kilogrammes.
The NDLEA estimated the consignment’s street value at more than ₦6.98 billion.
The seizure highlights the continuing challenge facing authorities in detecting controlled substances concealed in commercial cargo moving through Nigeria’s ports.
More Seizures Reported Across Several States
The agency also reported that operatives at Tin Can Port in Lagos discovered 55 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a high-potency cannabis strain, valued at ₦165 million. The substance was allegedly concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle within a 40-foot container on October 12.
In another operation, officers reportedly arrested Elizabeth Chidera Kalu at Idumota Market on October 14, recovering 10,600 ampoules of diazepam injection and 6,500 tablets of Molly from her store.
The agency said other operations across Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna states resulted in additional seizures and arrests, including that of an 85-year-old woman.
The reported arrests and recoveries form part of the NDLEA’s efforts to disrupt the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs and controlled pharmaceutical substances.
Investigation and Enforcement
The seizures underscore the importance of cooperation among anti-drug officers, customs officials, airport personnel and port authorities in identifying suspicious consignments and investigating suspected trafficking networks.
The agency’s account establishes the seizures and arrests it reported; any criminal liability of the suspects will depend on the relevant investigations and legal proceedings.
The NDLEA has continued to pursue operations against drug trafficking across Nigeria’s transport corridors, with the latest seizures adding to its enforcement activities at airports, seaports and domestic distribution points.