Ugandan woman arrested at Lagos airport with 1.15kg of cocaine concealed under underwear

A 34‑year‑old Ugandan national, Farida Nansubuga, was detained by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on 3 November 2026. During a routine passenger screening at Terminal 2, operatives discovered 87 wraps of cocaine, totalling approximately 1.15 kilograms, strapped beneath two layers of underwear around her pelvic area. The drugs were recovered after a secondary body search in a private room, according to statements from NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.

According to reports, Nansubuga reached Nigeria on 29 October 2026, traveling with fellow church members to participate in a prayer gathering at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) located in the Ikotun‑Egbe district of Lagos State. While the rest of the delegation returned to Uganda after the event, she remained in the country. She was preparing to board a flight back to Uganda when the NDLEA, working alongside aviation security personnel, intercepted her.

Background

The NDLEA confirmed that the cocaine was concealed in the suspect’s private region, wrapped in 87 individual packets and hidden beneath two layers of underwear. In a statement released on Sunday, Babafemi said the woman was part of a church delegation that visited Nigeria for a prayer session at SCOAN. He further stated that Nansubuga is accused of remaining to retrieve a shipment of narcotics on behalf of an acquaintance named Joy, who lives in Uganda. According to the agency, the suspect claimed a Nigerian contact handed her the cocaine at a hotel on the morning of her departure and instructed her to hide it in her clothing to avoid detection.

Other media outlets, including Legit.ng and Punch, reported the same details, noting that the operation involved a joint passenger screening exercise between NDLEA officers and airport security staff. Channels Television mentioned that the suspect was promised at least $1,000 for successfully delivering the drugs, although this figure was not corroborated by the NDLEA’s official statements.

Why it matters

The arrest underscores the ongoing challenge of trans‑national drug trafficking between Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The NDLEA highlighted that the seized quantity—over a kilogram of cocaine—represents a significant amount that could have entered the regional illicit market. The incident also raises concerns about the use of religious travel as a cover for smuggling activities, given that the suspect arrived as part of a church group.

Authorities indicated that the case could have implications for diplomatic relations with Uganda, as the alleged smuggling route involved moving the drugs from Nigeria to Uganda. The NDLEA’s swift interception demonstrates the agency’s capacity to conduct coordinated searches and its commitment to curbing drug trafficking.

What happens next

Following her arrest, Nansubuga was taken into custody for further investigation. The NDLEA has not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed, but standard procedure would involve arraignment in a Nigerian court. The agency may also pursue the identified friend, Joy, and any Nigerian contacts involved in the alleged transaction. No further statements from Ugandan authorities have been reported as of the latest updates.

The case remains under investigation, and additional details may emerge as the legal process unfolds.