Angolan Businessman Arrested at Kano Airport for Attempted Cocaine Trafficking

Introduction

In a major breakthrough against international drug trafficking, Nigerian authorities have apprehended an Angolan businessman attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cocaine through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The suspect, identified as Mbala Dajou Abuba, was caught with 120 cocaine pellets, shedding light on the evolving strategies employed by traffickers to evade law enforcement.

This case highlights the increasing role of West Africa as a transit hub for illicit narcotics destined for Europe and beyond. Nigerian security agencies, particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), continue to intensify efforts to dismantle these networks.

On February 25, 2025, during routine security screening at MAKIA, officers intercepted Mbala Dajou Abuba as he prepared to board Egypt Air flight MS 880 bound for Istanbul via Cairo. The operation took a dramatic turn when a body scan revealed multiple foreign objects inside his stomach.

Under controlled observation, Abuba excreted 120 cocaine pellets, weighing approximately 1.829 kilograms. The method, known as internal concealment or "body packing," is a high-risk smuggling technique where traffickers ingest tightly wrapped drug capsules to evade detection.

Profile of the Suspect

• Name: Mbala Dajou Abuba
• Nationality: Angolan
• Origin: Zaire Province, Angola
• Occupation: Former township logistics and delivery business owner
• Destination: Istanbul, Turkey (via Cairo, Egypt)

Abuba's case underscores the desperation and financial incentives that push individuals into drug trafficking, often risking their lives in the process.

Recent Drug Interceptions: A Growing Trend

The NDLEA has recently recorded multiple high-profile drug busts, signaling an escalation in trafficking activities across Nigeria’s major airports, seaports, and highways.

1. Cocaine Smuggling in Auto Spare Parts

On February 24, 2025, NDLEA officers arrested Okeke Ebuka Igwe, a spare parts dealer, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. He was attempting to send 1.10 kilograms of cocaine cleverly hidden inside vehicle propellers to Angola.

2. Canadian Loud Smuggling at Tincan Port

At Tincan Island Port, Lagos, security operatives discovered 128 parcels of Canadian Loud, a highly potent strain of cannabis. The 63.75-kilogram shipment was hidden inside two mattresses within a Toyota Venza imported from Canada. The intended recipient, Bamidele Joseph, was arrested.

3. Large-Scale Cannabis Cultivation Uncovered

In Delta State, a massive 20-hectare cannabis farm was uncovered and destroyed in a joint operation between the NDLEA and military forces. Over 50,000 kilograms of cannabis plants were seized, and five suspects were taken into custody.

Nigeria remains a critical transit point for drug trafficking networks that link South America, West Africa, Europe, and Asia. Traffickers exploit weak border controls, high-level corruption, and porous entry points to smuggle narcotics.

Key Factors Driving Drug Trafficking in Nigeria

• Geographic Advantage: Nigeria’s central location makes it a convenient stopover for drug shipments.
• Corruption & Security Loopholes: Smugglers often bribe officials to bypass airport and seaport checks.
• Economic Hardship: Financial desperation pushes many individuals into trafficking for quick gains.
• Evolving Smuggling Tactics: From body packing to vehicle concealment, traffickers constantly adapt to law enforcement strategies.

To counter rising drug crimes, NDLEA has intensified surveillance, deploying advanced body scanners, canine units, and intelligence-driven operations at major transit points. The agency collaborates with INTERPOL, DEA, and European drug enforcement agencies to track international drug syndicates.

Enhanced Strategies to Combat Drug Trafficking

✔ Stronger Airport and Border Security: Deployment of full-body scanners and sniffer dogs.
✔ Strict Legal Penalties: Lengthy prison sentences and asset seizures for convicted traffickers.
✔ Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the dangers of drug smuggling.
✔ Cross-Border Cooperation: Strengthening intelligence sharing between Nigerian and foreign agencies.

The arrest of Mbala Dajou Abuba serves as a stark warning to drug traffickers: Nigeria is no longer a safe passage for narcotics. With increased vigilance, strategic law enforcement efforts, and global collaboration, authorities are tightening the noose on drug syndicates operating within and beyond the country.

As security agencies continue to shut down trafficking networks, the message is clear—the risk of capture far outweighs the rewards of the illegal drug trade.