The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after officers discovered a large consignment of cocaine concealed in his luggage.

NDLEA operatives intercepted the suspect at the departure hall while he was attempting to board a British Airways flight to London, United Kingdom for what he claimed was a vacation.

According to NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, a search of the suspect’s luggage uncovered 11 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside food items such as ground dry pepper. The drugs were carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons to evade detection.

Lagos Island Drug Raids

In a separate operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites while she allegedly attempted to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis.

She was reportedly with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the arrest. During interrogation, she said the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was later arrested the same day.

Investigations revealed that Olatunji had previously been arrested, convicted and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment in 2015 for a similar offence.

Codeine and Tramadol Interceptions

NDLEA operatives also arrested Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim at Ebetu Ero, where 68,000 pills of tramadol were recovered from a truck that was being prepared for transportation to Benin Republic.

A follow-up operation at Idumota Market led to the arrest of the alleged owner of the consignment, Nnamdi Cyprian. NDLEA officers also recovered a parcel containing 1,000 tablets of tramadol (250mg) that had already been prepared for waybill delivery.

In another raid at the same market on March 13, operatives arrested Nwanosike Kelvin and recovered 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection from his shop.

Other Arrests Across Nigeria

In Kano, NDLEA officers arrested Magaji Dan Azumi, 42, in the Bebeji area with 386 kilograms of skunk.

Similarly, operatives in Gwagwalada recovered 282.2 kilograms of skunk from a suspect identified as Isah Wako.

In Edo State, NDLEA said its operatives raided the Egwa Forest Reserve in Aduan village, where Chinedo Odalonu was arrested. Officers also destroyed large cannabis farms in the forest and recovered 16.5 kilograms of skunk from the site.

The NDLEA said the operations form part of its ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have issued a strong threat against Benjamin Netanyahu, vowing to pursue and kill the Israeli leader as hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States continue to escalate in the Middle East.

In a statement published Sunday on Sepah News, the official website of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, the group described Netanyahu as a “child-killing criminal” and declared that it would continue to hunt him down.

“If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force,” the Guards said.

Meanwhile, authorities in Iran have intensified security operations across the country. Local media reports indicate that at least 20 people were arrested in the northwestern province of West Azerbaijan over allegations of collaborating with Israel.

According to the Fars News Agency, the arrests were carried out during raids targeting networks suspected of working with Israeli intelligence. The provincial prosecutor, Hossein Majidi, said those detained were accused of transmitting sensitive information about military, security, and law-enforcement locations to what officials described as the “Zionist enemy.”

Iranian authorities have reportedly conducted widespread raids in recent days, leading to the arrest of hundreds of individuals suspected of cooperating with Israel and the United States.

The current escalation in the Middle East conflict began on February 28 following joint strikes by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The attack triggered retaliatory actions by Iran, further intensifying tensions in the region.

The developments have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis remain uncertain.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has paid tribute to mothers across the country, describing them as the pillars of families and the unsung heroes of the nation.

In her 2026 Mother’s Day message, the First Lady commended Nigerian mothers for their enduring love, care and sacrifices, noting that their contributions to family life and national development remain invaluable.

She emphasised that motherhood goes beyond visible sacrifices, pointing out that the quiet and everyday acts of care, patience and guidance are what truly shape the lives of children and strengthen society.

According to her, the nurturing role mothers play in raising responsible and compassionate children forms the foundation for a better and more prosperous nation.

The First Lady urged mothers to remain steadfast in guiding and teaching their children, stressing that the wisdom and values they pass on will positively influence future generations.

She also prayed for God’s grace for mothers to enjoy the fruits of their labour and witness the achievements of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Oluremi Tinubu extended warm Mother’s Day wishes to all mothers across Nigeria, acknowledging their strength, dedication and immeasurable impact on families and society.