NDLEA Arrests Kingpin, 5 Others Over Saudi Drug Trafficking Case
NDLEA Arrests Kingpin, 5 Others Over Saudi Drug Trafficking Case
NDLEA has arrested a 55-year-old kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, and five accomplices for planting drug-laden bags on three Nigerian pilgrims now detained in Saudi Arabia.
The syndicate allegedly colluded with airport staff at Kano’s MAKIA. NDLEA says efforts are underway with Saudi authorities to secure the victims’ release.
According to NDLEA reports, the arrested suspects are accused of orchestrating a highly coordinated scheme that saw drug-laden luggage planted on unsuspecting Hajj pilgrims at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano.
The pilgrims, who had no idea what was concealed in their bags, were later intercepted and detained by Saudi authorities upon arrival.
The NDLEA revealed that the drug trafficking network involved not just external conspirators but also corrupt airport staff who helped infiltrate the security processes.
By exploiting gaps in luggage handling procedures, the syndicate managed to swap or load bags containing illicit drugs onto the pilgrims’ flight.
The scheme came to light after intense investigations into the Saudi arrests, prompting NDLEA to unravel the local link and carry out the arrests.
The agency emphasized that the pilgrims were targeted specifically because of the high level of trust and perceived immunity surrounding Hajj travelers
