NDLEA Nabs Pilgrims Smuggling Cocaine to Saudi Arabia

The NDLEA has arrested two individuals who ingested cocaine while posing as Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Chairman Buba Marwa revealed the arrests, warning of criminals exploiting religious pilgrimages for drug trafficking.

Despite funding challenges, the agency reported over 31,000 drug-related arrests and major drug seizures in 2023–2024. A newly amended NDLEA Act, awaiting presidential assent, aims to boost the agency’s capacity.