The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a shocking attempt by two individuals to smuggle cocaine while disguising as pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), made the revelation 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 disclosed.
He raised concerns over the disturbing trend of criminal networks exploiting religious pilgrimages as a cover for drug trafficking, highlighting a broader pattern of abuse.
“We have had incidents where people were deceived in the name of Hajj,” he added. “Two years ago, three unsuspecting women were duped. Some individuals offered to sponsor their pilgrimage, including tickets and visas. Before they left, they were handed a small bag to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia. Unknown to them, cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag.”
Marwa stressed that despite funding limitations affecting the full rollout of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the NDLEA continues to press forward with determination.
“Instead of allowing funding gaps to deter us, we remain focused, drawing strength from our shared vision and collective resolve,” he said. “Encouragingly, certain developments are poised to strengthen our capacity, notably the amendment of the NDLEA Act which has passed through the National Assembly and awaits presidential assent.”
Marwa reviewed key progress recorded under the strategic pillars of the NDCMP between 2023 and 2024, noting that operational efficiency improved significantly under the Fourth National Action Plan.
“Through our Supply Reduction efforts, we arrested 31,334 drug offenders, out of which 6,839 have been convicted. We seized 4,333,636.9 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and destroyed 426.47 hectares of cannabis farms,” he stated.
Under the Drug Demand Reduction pillar, Marwa said the NDLEA provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 19,033 individuals, emphasizing the agency’s holistic approach to curbing drug abuse.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, lauded the progress made and expressed optimism about the impact of the new legal framework.
“The amendment of the NDLEA Act will significantly enhance the agency’s ability to combat substance abuse and illicit trafficking. The Federal Ministry of Justice is working closely with the NDLEA, not only in legislative support but also in managing the proceeds of crime to disrupt the financial backbone of drug trafficking syndicates,” Abubakar stated.
As the NDLEA intensifies its operations nationwide, the agency continues to urge the public to remain vigilant, particularly during religious seasons often exploited by drug traffickers.
