Operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two brothers—John Abugu, 43, and Kenneth Abugu, 31—at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle five kilograms of cocaine out of the country.
The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, April 3, 2025, while attempting to board a flight to India. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest in a statement released from the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Sunday.
According to the statement, the illicit drug was carefully concealed within the walls of the suspects’ suitcases. The arrest followed the processing of credible intelligence by NDLEA operatives, leading to a detailed search of the suspects’ luggage.
“The suspects claimed they were travelling to India for medical treatment,” Babafemi revealed, “but upon inspection, officers discovered whitish powdery substances concealed in their bags, which later tested positive for cocaine.”
The agency said the operation reflects its continued resolve to clamp down on drug trafficking networks using Nigerian airports as transit points.
The NDLEA has intensified surveillance at major airports, seaports, and land borders across the country in line with its renewed war against illicit drugs. Further investigations into the Abugu brothers’ network are ongoing.
Authorities have reiterated their call for increased public vigilance and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities related to drug trafficking and abuse.
