NDLEA Thwarts Unusual Tramadol Smuggling Attempt at Seme Border

In a remarkable interdiction, operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully disrupted a creative drug trafficking operation involving a female suspect, Rabi Muhammad, who tried to smuggle tramadol capsules disguised as a pregnancy belly through the Seme land border in Lagos.

Details of the Arrest

Rabi Muhammad, a 35-year-old entrepreneur based in Kano, was apprehended on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Seme border departure area while preparing to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic. Observant NDLEA officers noticed her unusually prominent abdomen, which raised suspicions.

Discovery of the Concealed Drugs

Upon conducting a thorough body search, the officers uncovered that the apparent pregnancy was a ruse. The suspect had ingeniously fashioned a fake baby bump using a pink calabash container strapped around her waist. Inside this contraption were 3,200 tramadol capsules intended for illicit sale in Cotonou.

Context and Implications

This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of drug traffickers who employ inventive methods to evade detection. Tramadol, a synthetic opioid painkiller, has seen a surge in abuse across West Africa, with seizures rising by over 40% in the past year according to NDLEA reports. The agency continues to intensify border surveillance to combat such trafficking.

Official Statement

Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, February 22, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug smuggling networks and safeguarding public health.

Broader Efforts Against Drug Trafficking

NDLEA’s proactive measures at key border points like Seme are crucial in curbing the flow of illicit substances. Similar innovative concealment tactics have been uncovered recently, including drugs hidden in hollowed-out books and false compartments in vehicles, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance and advanced detection technologies.