The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a 34-year-old Ugandan woman, identified as Farida Nansubuga, who was caught with 87 wraps of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The seizure took place on November 3, 2026, as she prepared to board a flight back to Uganda.
The drugs, weighing 1.15 kilogrammes, were hidden around her pelvic region and covered by two layers of underwear. NDLEA operatives became suspicious during a screening exercise conducted in collaboration with aviation security personnel, leading to a body search that ultimately uncovered the cocaine.
According to a statement from NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Nansubuga disclosed that she arrived in Nigeria on October 29, along with fellow church members for a prayer session at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). While those members returned to Uganda after the prayers, she stayed to collect the narcotics on behalf of a contact living in Uganda, named Joy.
During questioning, Nansubuga explained that Joy had connected her with a contact in Nigeria who arranged for her to be picked up and provided the cocaine. She was instructed to conceal the drugs to evade airport security and expressed the expectation of receiving at least $1,000 for the delivery.
This arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking. Recent operations have included significant drug seizures both at airports and seaports across Nigeria, highlighting the country’s challenges with narcotics smuggling. The NDLEA continues to advise vigilance against the exploitation of religious gatherings for drug trafficking.
