NDLEA Nabs Would-Be Hajj Pilgrims for Smuggling Cocaine to Saudi Arabia
By Solomon Odeniyi – May 29, 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia, disguising themselves as devout Muslims en route to Hajj.
NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), made the disclosure on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting held in Abuja.
“Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” Marwa revealed.
Drug Trafficking Exploiting Religious Pilgrimage
Marwa expressed deep concern over the growing trend of drug trafficking under the guise of religious pilgrimages, stating that criminal networks are increasingly exploiting religious sentiments to traffic illicit substances.
He recalled a past incident where unsuspecting women were duped into transporting cocaine hidden in bag linings given to them as “gifts” for relatives in Saudi Arabia.
“Some individuals offered to pay for their tickets and visas. Before they left, they were handed small bags with drugs sewn into the lining,” he said.
NDLEA’s Progress and Challenges
Despite funding constraints, Marwa highlighted key achievements under the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2021–2025), particularly in the areas of supply reduction and rehabilitation.
Key NDLEA stats from 2023–2024:
- 31,334 drug offenders arrested
- 6,839 convictions secured
- Over 4.3 million kg of illicit drugs seized
- 426 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed
- 19,033 individuals received counselling and rehabilitation
Marwa also announced that the amended NDLEA Act, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, has been passed by the National Assembly and is now awaiting Presidential assent.
Justice Ministry Supports New Drug Law
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)—represented by DPP Mohammed Abubakar—expressed optimism that the amended NDLEA Act will bolster Nigeria’s legal framework against drug crimes.
“We are at the final stage of the amendment process… It will significantly enhance the NDLEA’s organizational capacity to combat drug abuse and trafficking,” Abubakar stated.
He added that the ministry is supporting proceeds of crime management, a critical step in dismantling the financial networks behind drug trafficking.
