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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a 35-year-old Kano-based businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, for allegedly attempting to smuggle thousands of tramadol capsules concealed in a fabricated pregnancy.
The suspect was arrested at the Seme land border in Lagos while attempting to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Ejes Gist News reports that NDLEA officers became suspicious after observing a protruding abdomen that prompted further examination at the departure area of the border post.
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How the Concealment Was Discovered
According to a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, a full-body search exposed the concealment method.
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The agency said the suspect’s “pregnancy” was artificial and constructed using a pink-coloured calabash strapped to her abdomen. The container reportedly held 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which investigators believe she intended to transport to Cotonou for distribution.
Babafemi stated that the discovery followed routine profiling and physical checks conducted by officers stationed at the busy international corridor linking Nigeria and Benin Republic.
NDLEA’s Ongoing Border Enforcement
The Seme border remains a strategic transit point frequently monitored by anti-narcotics operatives due to its high volume of cross-border movement. The NDLEA has intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering, and physical inspections along the route as part of broader efforts to curb the trafficking of controlled substances.
Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, is classified as a controlled medication in Nigeria because of its potential for abuse and dependence. Authorities have repeatedly warned that illicit distribution contributes to public health risks and criminal activity.
The agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine possible accomplices and supply chains linked to the suspect. Further legal proceedings are expected in line with Nigeria’s drug control laws.
