The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for what it described as a prompt and strategic intervention that helped secure the release of three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia on allegations of drug trafficking.

According to the NDLEA, the suspects were innocent pilgrims whose names were fraudulently attached to bags containing illicit substances by a cartel operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. Their arrest in Jeddah triggered a weeks-long diplomatic effort involving multiple Nigerian government agencies.

 

How the Investigation Began

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), launched a detailed investigation shortly after the families of the detained pilgrims reported the incident. The travellers, who flew on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah on August 6, 2025, had just completed the lesser hajj when they were held by Saudi authorities.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, early findings pointed to a sophisticated trafficking network that had secretly tagged drug-laden bags with the names of unsuspecting passengers.

Security experts say such schemes are not uncommon in major airports, especially where insider collusion exists. “Anytime you have criminal access behind the check-in counter, innocent travellers become vulnerable,” said an aviation security analyst, Aminu Zakari, in an interview with Punch earlier this year.

Arrests and Breakthroughs in the Case

The NDLEA investigation led to the arrest of 55-year-old alleged kingpin Mohammed Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, along with three suspected accomplices. The agency identified them as Celestina Yayock, Abdulbasit Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir, all believed to be connected to the illegal shipment process.

According to the NDLEA, charges have been filed against the suspects, and additional evidence was compiled to prove the innocence of the detained pilgrims.

Armed with the findings, Marwa held several engagements with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control in Saudi Arabia. The discussions took place at different levels both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, underscoring what officials called President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is unfairly treated abroad.

Diplomatic Pressure and Eventual Release

Babafemi confirmed that one of the detainees was freed last Sunday, while the remaining two were released on Monday. He noted that the breakthrough was the result of continuous dialogue supported by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Keyamo.

Marwa expressed satisfaction with the outcome and praised Saudi authorities for honoring the terms of the cooperation agreement between both countries.

“The strongest support we received came from President Tinubu, who remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian receives fair treatment anywhere in the world,” Marwa said.

Strengthening Airport Security

The NDLEA said the case exposed vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s aviation system, particularly in baggage handling. The agency pledged tougher security measures to dismantle criminal networks that exploit airport facilities for drug trafficking.

A former member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Aviation Safety, Chike Otti, told The Guardian that the incident should serve as a wake-up call. “Airports must review their surveillance systems, staff vetting processes, and access controls. If we don’t close the gaps, syndicates will return,” he said.

A Case Seen as a Win for Inter-Agency Collaboration

According to NDLEA officials, the resolution showcases what coordinated national security efforts can achieve. The agency said the case also reinforces public confidence in the government's ability to protect its citizens abroad.

The pilgrims, whose names were not immediately released, are expected to return to Nigeria shortly after final clearance from Saudi authorities.