The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine while posing as Muslim pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd.), made the disclosure on Wednesday during the opening of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting held in Abuja.
Marwa revealed that the suspects had ingested the hard drugs in a bid to bypass airport security, using the religious pilgrimage as cover for international drug trafficking.
“Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be on a religious mission,” Marwa said.
He warned that criminal syndicates are increasingly exploiting the Hajj pilgrimage to smuggle illicit substances abroad, often deceiving unsuspecting individuals in the process.
“We have had incidents where people were deceived in the name of Hajj. Two years ago, three women were tricked by people who offered to pay for their tickets and visas. They were given bags to deliver to someone in Saudi Arabia, not knowing that cocaine was sewn into the lining of the bags,” he said.
Despite limited resources and budget constraints, Marwa said the NDLEA remains committed to its mission to curb drug abuse and trafficking. He highlighted recent successes, noting that the agency has made major strides under the current National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025).
“In 2023 and 2024, our operations led to the arrest of 31,334 drug offenders, with 6,839 convictions secured. We seized over 4.3 million kilograms of various illicit drugs and destroyed more than 426 hectares of cannabis farms,” he said.
Marwa also stated that 19,033 individuals received counselling and rehabilitation services as part of the agency’s demand reduction efforts.
He noted that the amendment of the NDLEA Act—recently passed by the National Assembly and awaiting presidential assent—would significantly improve the agency’s ability to fight drug crimes.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, also addressed the gathering. He expressed hope that the amended Act would further empower the NDLEA in its operations.
“The Ministry of Justice has been working with the NDLEA to improve Nigeria’s drug control framework. The amendment of the NDLEA Act will enhance the agency’s capacity and also help in dismantling the financial structures of drug trafficking networks,” Abubakar said.
The NDLEA has called for greater public awareness and vigilance, especially during major religious events, to prevent the abuse of faith and trust by criminal elements.
