A 34-year-old Rwandan woman, Farida Nansubuga, was arrested on Sunday, November 8, 2026, by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. She was caught with 87 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.15 kilograms hidden in her undergarments. Nansubuga had traveled to Nigeria for a religious pilgrimage and was set to return to Uganda via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the agency's operatives discovered the cocaine during a search of Nansubuga's luggage. The cocaine was hidden in two pieces of undergarment she was wearing. Preliminary investigations revealed that Nansubuga arrived in Nigeria on October 29, 2026, with a group of fellow Rwandans to attend a prayer session at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), a prominent Christian church in Lagos.
While her companions returned to Uganda after the prayer session, Nansubuga stayed behind to collect the cocaine, which she claimed she was instructed to transport to Uganda by an acquaintance. In her statement, Nansubuga admitted that she agreed to carry the cocaine in exchange for $1,000, which she was promised would be given to her after delivering the substance to Kampala.
The NDLEA stated that it is keeping a close eye on international drug trafficking networks that may be using pilgrimages as a cover for smuggling substances. The agency expressed concern that such networks may exploit the security checks at airports to traffic narcotics. Nansubuga is currently being held in Nigeria, awaiting trial on charges of international drug trafficking.
The incident highlights the growing concern over drug trafficking in the region, with authorities urging vigilance and cooperation to combat the menace. The NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies are working to dismantle the networks involved in the illicit trade. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of Nansubuga's involvement and to identify her accomplices.
The case also raises questions about the use of pilgrimages as a front for illicit activities. Authorities are urging religious leaders and organizers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced security measures at airports and other entry points to prevent the trafficking of narcotics.
Nansubuga's arrest is a significant blow to the drug trafficking networks operating in the region. The NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies are committed to disrupting and dismantling these networks, and further arrests and seizures are expected in the coming days. The case will likely have far-reaching implications for the region's efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.
Key points
- The NDLEA is keeping a close eye on international drug trafficking networks that may be using pilgrimages as a cover for smuggling substances.
