Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a Brazil-based Nigerian businessman at Lagos airport over alleged drug trafficking.
The suspect, 41-year-old Abugu Ikechukwu, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport upon arrival from Brazil.
He reportedly travelled from São Paulo through Addis Ababa aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
According to the NDLEA, a search of his luggage uncovered shirts and towels allegedly impregnated with liquid cocaine.
Investigators said the materials had been dried and ironed in an attempt to evade detection.
The agency disclosed that forensic analysis showed the concealed substance weighed 6.1 kilogrammes.
Abugu reportedly informed investigators that he operates an African restaurant in Brazil.
He said he had lived in the South American country for more than 14 years.
According to the agency, he travelled to Nigeria to visit family members and purchase food supplies for his business.
The arrest formed part of a nationwide anti-drug operation that resulted in major seizures across several states.
NDLEA said more than two tonnes of illicit substances were recovered during coordinated raids and interceptions.
In Abia State, operatives arrested a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, over alleged possession of 1.8 kilogrammes of skunk.
Another suspect, 28-year-old Abubakar Usman, was arrested in Rivers State with various prohibited substances.
The recovered items allegedly included cannabis, methamphetamine, tramadol and diazepam.
In Taraba State, officers raided a warehouse linked to a suspected drug kingpin, Ali Adamu.
The operation led to the recovery of 63 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 1,121.5 kilogrammes.
A separate operation in Lagos yielded 1,102 kilogrammes of Ghana Loud around Alaba International Market.
NDLEA described Ghana Loud as a potent strain of cannabis frequently targeted in anti-narcotics operations.
In Kwara State, operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying 304 kilogrammes of compressed cannabis blocks.
The illicit consignment was allegedly concealed inside a Toyota jeep travelling along Bode Saadu Road.
Two suspects, Nasiru Hamza and Muhammad Sani, were arrested in connection with the shipment.
In Abuja, NDLEA patrol officers arrested Emmanuel Nnadi along the Gwagwalada Expressway.
Thousands of pills of tramadol, pregabalin and ecstasy were reportedly recovered from the suspect.
Officers also seized hundreds of bottles of codeine-based syrup during the operation.
Additional raids in Delta, Gombe and Kano states led to further arrests and drug recoveries.
The agency said it also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse campaign nationwide.
Sensitisation programmes were conducted in schools, communities and traditional institutions across several states.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the successful operations.
He described the seizures as evidence of the agency’s determination to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Marwa urged commands nationwide to maintain operational momentum and strengthen ongoing enforcement efforts.
