NDLEA Arrests Two Hajj Pilgrims With Cocaine: Marwa Reveals Shocking Attempt To Smuggle Drugs To Saudi Arabia

In a stunning revelation that underscores the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two individuals posing as pilgrims bound for Saudi Arabia who were caught attempting to smuggle cocaine. This development was disclosed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), during the opening session of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control held in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Gen. Marwa, the suspects were intercepted just days before their scheduled departure for the holy pilgrimage of Hajj. Investigations revealed that they had ingested pellets of cocaine in a bid to smuggle the illicit substance into Saudi Arabia under the guise of being devout Muslims fulfilling a sacred religious obligation.

“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 told attendees at the event, which brought together senior government officials and stakeholders in the nation’s anti-drug campaign.

He described the incident as a “disheartening and disgraceful act,” emphasizing that such criminal behavior not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international image but also disrespects the sanctity of religious practices.

The NDLEA boss used the occasion to highlight the increasing brazenness of drug traffickers, who are now exploiting sacred institutions and religious platforms to carry out their illegal activities.

“This kind of behavior is not only criminal but also morally reprehensible. It is an affront to the values of Islam and a clear example of the extent to which some individuals are willing to go for profit,” he said.

Gen. Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and ensuring that no Nigerian uses the pilgrimage or any religious platform as a cover for criminal enterprise.

In light of the recent arrests, the NDLEA is expected to intensify screening procedures at all points of departure, especially for international pilgrimage groups. Enhanced cooperation with religious authorities and travel agencies is also being planned to ensure that prospective pilgrims are thoroughly vetted before being cleared for travel.

Authorities have already begun working closely with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other religious bodies to strengthen the integrity of the Hajj operations and restore public confidence in the process.

While the identities of the suspects have not yet been disclosed, NDLEA officials confirmed that the individuals are in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The agency is also probing whether the suspects were working independently or as part of a larger drug trafficking network.

The NDLEA has urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities, particularly those involving the misuse of religious or official cover to commit crimes.