NDLEA Arrests Fake Pilgrims Smuggling Cocaine to Saudi Arabia: Marwa Raises Alarm on Drug Trafficking Disguised as Hajj
In a shocking revelation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the arrest of two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine while posing as Muslim pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj. The news, which has stirred national conversation, was disclosed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), during a high-level meeting in Abuja.
This arrest underscores a dangerous trend in Nigeria’s ongoing war against drug trafficking—one where criminal elements are increasingly exploiting religious pilgrimage routes to carry out illicit activities. With the Hajj season just around the corner, this disturbing development has raised critical concerns about how criminal networks continue to manipulate sacred institutions to further illegal operations.
NDLEA Arrests Two Drug Mules Disguised as Hajj Pilgrims
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Gen. Marwa made the stunning disclosure while addressing stakeholders at the opening ceremony of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control in Abuja. During his speech, he emphasized the growing tactics of drug traffickers who now disguise as pious Muslims participating in the religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
“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,” he said.
The NDLEA boss explained that the suspects had ingested the drugs in order to avoid detection at the airport, using the religious trip as a cover to carry out their smuggling operation. Their intention was to deceive authorities and take advantage of the relatively low scrutiny often granted to religious travelers during the holy pilgrimage.
Exploiting Faith for Crime: A Growing Threat
Marwa expressed deep concern about the increasing frequency with which criminal groups exploit religious sentiments, particularly during the annual Hajj, for international drug trafficking. This is not the first time such a ploy has been uncovered.
“We have had incidents where people were deceived in the name of Hajj. Two years ago, three women were duped. Some individuals offered to pay for their tickets and visas, among others. Before they left, they were given 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,” he recounted.
These kinds of deceptive tactics not only endanger the lives and reputations of innocent Nigerians but also damage the country’s image globally. They further complicate the already challenging task of monitoring international drug trafficking routes.
The Role of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP)
Despite several setbacks, including funding limitations, Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA remains dedicated to fulfilling its mission. He cited the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021–2025 as a guiding framework for the agency’s operations.
“Instead, we stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation. Encouragingly, certain developments promise to bolster the achievement of our objectives. One such step is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity in drug supply reduction,” he stated.
According to Marwa, the amended NDLEA Act, which has already been passed by the National Assembly, is currently awaiting the President's signature. Once signed into law, the new legislation will grant the NDLEA broader powers and resources to effectively combat drug trafficking and abuse.
A Review of NDLEA’s Progress in 2023 and 2024
Brigadier General Marwa also gave a comprehensive overview of the agency’s performance over the past two years, focusing on the four key pillars of the National Drug Control Master Plan. These pillars include Supply Reduction, Drug Demand Reduction, Access to Controlled Medicines, and Governance & Coordination.
Supply Reduction Efforts: Thousands of Arrests and Seizures
“Under the Supply Reduction pillar, our operational efforts and strategic offensives led to the arrest of 31,334 drug offenders, of whom 6,839 were convicted. We also recorded the seizure of 4,333,636.9 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and undertook the destruction of 426.46724 hectares of cannabis farms,” he noted.
These staggering statistics reveal the scale of Nigeria’s drug problem and the level of effort the NDLEA has put into disrupting supply chains. From arresting major traffickers to destroying cannabis plantations, the agency has taken a hands-on approach to dismantle drug cartels.
Focus on Rehabilitation and Counseling
But the NDLEA’s mission is not only about arrests and seizures. Marwa also shed light on the agency’s work in Drug Demand Reduction, which focuses on helping drug users recover and reintegrate into society.
“Under the Drug Demand Reduction strategic pillar, we provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 19,033 individuals,” he added.
This humanitarian approach underlines the agency’s belief in second chances. By offering rehabilitation services, the NDLEA aims to reduce the demand side of the drug problem, ensuring that users can find a path to healing instead of facing only punishment.
The Need for Vigilance During Hajj
As the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage draws near, Marwa urged relevant agencies and religious bodies to be extra vigilant. He called on travel operators, Hajj officials, and the public to be cautious of suspicious offers and to report any questionable activities related to the pilgrimage.
Nigerians are reminded that accepting travel sponsorships or packages from unfamiliar sources—no matter how generous they may seem—can be dangerous. Marwa's revelation about the three duped women highlights just how easily innocent lives can be used as pawns in international drug trafficking.
Conclusion: A National Call to Action Against Drug Trafficking
The NDLEA’s recent arrests of fake pilgrims involved in drug smuggling to Saudi Arabia serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians. As the country continues to grapple with drug abuse and trafficking, the public must recognize that this fight goes beyond arrests—it is about safeguarding the nation’s youth, values, and international reputation.
Brigadier General Buba Marwa’s detailed breakdown of the agency’s efforts and future strategies sends a strong message: drug trafficking in any form—religious disguise or otherwise—will not be tolerated.
As the amended NDLEA Act awaits presidential assent, the nation looks forward to enhanced legal frameworks and stronger institutional backing for the agency. In the meantime, Marwa and the NDLEA remain undeterred, committed to securing a drug-free Nigeria where criminal exploitation of religion is met with the full weight of the law.
