Chinese Businessman, 80‑Year‑Old Grandma Arrested as NDLEA Seizes Colos in Moi-moi Sachets

In a startling operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Chinese national and an 80‑year‑old grandmother following the seizure of unusual parcels of colos—a potent ammunition-like commodity—concealed within commercially packaged moi‑moi sachets. The incident, which has triggered fresh concerns over creative smuggling tactics, occurred recently at a major border checkpoint in Nigeria’s south-south region.

NDLEA sources explain that the corps uncovered a complex smuggling method involving food packaging. The colos—small, widely misused cannons typically used in celebratory shots or sometimes in illicit circulating weapons—were reportedly wrapped in plastics and sealed into legitimate looking moi‑moi packets. The suspects had appeared to be transporting the foodstuff as part of a trade venture, but high alert screening detected the concealed items.

The arrested Chinese businessman, identified only as Mr. Liu, allegedly imported large quantities of moi‑moi—an edible bean pudding popular in Nigeria—alongside other food items. However, after an alert by customs officials to NDLEA officers, it emerged that nearly thirty packaged sachets were found to contain small, cylindrical metallic objects instead of the prepared food. According to the agency, forensic tests confirmed the contents to be colos. The weighing revealed several kilograms of the items intended for distribution.

Simultaneously, an 80‑year‑old grandmother from the area, Mrs. Ekene Abara, was detained when officers intercepted goods in her possession. She had purportedly purchased the kolos-masked sachets from a local market; however, during inspection, one packet in her satchel was discovered to contain a hidden colos. Mrs. Abara maintains that she had no knowledge of the contents, insisting she believed she was carrying ordinary moi‑moi snacks.

NDLEA operatives revealed that initial intelligence suggested Mr. Liu’s shipment originated from an undisclosed location in West Africa. Local distributors were reportedly organising small-scale distribution through informal channels. By hiding the items in widely consumed packaged snacks, the smugglers aimed to bypass detection. The woman was arrested after her purchase raised suspicion during routine mobile detail spot checks within the community.

The arrested Chinese national, according to NDLEA, faces charges of unlawful importation, possession, and distribution of prohibited weapons or ammunition. The grandmother is equally under investigation, although the agency is considering her age and claimed innocence. NDLEA spokesperson emphasised that the emphasis would be on determining her level of knowledge, but the law requires questioning regardless of age.

This case has sparked outrage among sections of the public, as concerns over insecurity and misuse of ammunition-like devices remain high. The NDLEA indicated that colos are frequently misused in unlawful contexts such as robberies, cult clashes, and illicit transactions. Their illegality stems from both their misuse and ease of concealment, which pose a threat to public safety.

The agency has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on inventive smuggling schemes. An official explained that smugglers have increasingly co-opted food packaging to hide contraband—including weapons, drugs, or explosive components. By exploiting trusted packaging formats like food sachets, illicit traders aim to evade conventional scanners and resist routine scrutiny.

Experts in border security and customs enforcement have underscored the challenges posed by such tactics. According to them, routine baggage x‑rays and visual inspections may no longer suffice. They advocate for enhanced forensic screening technology, targeted intelligence sharing, and community-based tip lines to flag suspicious activity early.

In response to public concern, NDLEA has pledged greater collaboration with customs, agricultural inspection services, and local security agencies to tighten controls at ports, border crossings, and market channels. The agency also announced plans to engage in public education campaigns warning the public against buying foodstuff from unknown sources or unexpected sellers—especially if the packaging seems tampered.

Mrs. Abara’s arrest has drawn sympathy from community groups due to her advanced age. Some activists are calling for leniency and a thorough investigation to determine if she was a victim of deception. In contrast, others argue that irrespective of age, accountability must be enforced if the suspect knowingly facilitated concealment of contraband.

As for the Chinese suspect, NDLEA says he will be prosecuted under Nigerian laws prohibiting unauthorised importation and trafficking of weapons. If convicted, penalties may include imprisonment, heavy fines, and deportation proceedings following sentence completion. The agency has pledged full legal pursuit, underscoring that foreign nationals are fully subject to local jurisdiction.

The case serves as a cautionary tale to regulatory authorities and the general public about the evolving ingenuity of smuggling operations. Analysts say that incidents like this reflect broader enforcement challenges in a country with porous borders and a large informal economy. Without continued innovation in inspection techniques and intelligence frameworks, authorities risk falling behind well-organised smuggling networks.

Meanwhile, NDLEA continues testing seized packets, combing through intelligence leads, and tracing the supply chain upstream. They aim to crack any syndicate or network behind the colos operation—and to deter future attempts by publicising legal consequences.

For now, authorities in the region remain vigilant, urging citizens, transporters, and food sellers to report any suspicious packaging or behavior. The case has highlighted how public safety is increasingly threatened not just by choice of weapon but by deliberate concealment within everyday consumables.

In sum, the arrest of a Chinese businessman and an elderly grandmother over colos disguised as moi‑moi sachets underscores a worrying trend in smuggling sophistication. As Nigerian authorities work to uncover the broader network, the event serves as a stark reminder: illicit goods can lurk even in trusted packaging—and those who distribute or carry them may face criminal liability, regardless of age or intent.