Fake Pregnancy Foiled as NDLEA Intercepts 3,200 Tramadol Capsules at Seme Border

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 35-year-old businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large consignment of opioids through the Seme land border using a fabricated pregnancy.

The suspect, said to be based in Kano, was apprehended on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the departure tarmac of the Seme border post while attempting to cross into Cotonou in the Benin Republic.

NDLEA officers reportedly became suspicious of her visibly protruding stomach during routine checks.

A detailed body search conducted by female operatives revealed that the pregnancy was staged. The suspect had allegedly strapped a pink-coloured calabash to her abdomen to simulate a baby bump and conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the illicit drugs were intended for distribution in Cotonou, underscoring what authorities describe as the evolving tactics employed by traffickers to evade security scrutiny at Nigeria’s borders.

The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and dismantling drug trafficking networks, warning that it remains vigilant against attempts to exploit unconventional concealment methods.