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Saudi authorities free 3 Nigerian pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking
Saudi authorities free 3 Nigerian pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking
By: Michael Mike
Saudi Arabia authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah, since last month following their arrest over alleged drug trafficking
The three Nigerians who were freed from detention after four weeks in custody include: Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi; Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu; and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq. Their freedom came following weeks of relentless engagements by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) with the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia with the full support of President Bola Tinubu and the assistance of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
A syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano had tagged bags containing illicit drugs with the names of the three unsuspecting Nigerians who travelled on an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 which departed Kano on 6th August 2025 to Jeddah on lesser hajj. They were later arrested in Saudi for alleged drug trafficking.
Following complaints to the NDLEA boss by families of the three victims over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their lesser hajj on an allegation of trafficking in illicit substances, an investigation was launched to unravel what happened. The probe led to the arrest of 55-year-old drug kingpin Mohammed Abubakar alias Bello Karama and three other members of the syndicate including the airline officials behind the shipment of the illicit substances for which the three innocent pilgrims were arrested and detained in Jeddah.
Charges had since been filed against Mohammed Abubakar and other members of the syndicate: Celestina Yayock; Abdulbasit Sagagi and Jazuli Kabir.
Armed with the outcome of NDLEA investigation and charges filed against members of the syndicate as well as other evidences to prove the innocence of the three Nigerian pilgrims, Marwa engaged with his Saudi counterpart at multiple levels and different locations including Saudi Arabia in compliance with President Tinubu’s agenda that no Nigerian suffers unjustly in a foreign land.
The spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said following series of engagements one of the three Nigerians was released from custody last Sunday and the remaining two on Monday.
Expressing happiness over the development, Marwa commended his counterpart at the Saudi GDNC for upholding the essence of the Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and GDNC on collaboration and partnership. “The biggest support of our effort on this case came from President Tinubu who is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian gets their deserved respect and fair treatment wherever they are across the world. And that is what has come to play in this case, that no Nigerian is unjustly punished for crimes they know nothing about anywhere in the world. We equally appreciate the assistance provided by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who were with us all the way on the matter.”
Saudi authorities free 3 Nigerian pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening grassroots security and community-based intelligence across the country as tools for tackling insecurity.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi gave the commitment during his working visit of Anambra State as part of his continued strategic operational tour of the South East.
Audi, who was received by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, noted that his visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of personnel, understanding field challenges, and reinforcing the Corps’ operational capacity in the region.
Speaking during the courtesy call at the Government House, Awka, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s proactive efforts in maintaining peace and stability. He also solicited greater logistical and infrastructural support to enhance the NSCDC’s performance in the state.
He said: “Security must begin from the grassroots. That is where the people live, work, and build the future. The Corps remains resolute in delivering quality service and ensuring that the confidence of Nigerians, particularly Ndi Anambra, in our operations is not misplaced.”
Soludo, in his response, commended the NSCDC for its professionalism, discipline, and resilience, especially in safeguarding critical national assets and public infrastructure.
He said: “Here in Anambra, the Light of the Nation, our greatest asset is our people: creative, enterprising, and innovative. They are the engine of our economy. Ensuring their safety and prosperity is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the NSCDC for standing firm in that mission.”
The governor pledged continued partnership and support for the Corps, affirming that security remains the foundation for the state’s economic growth and innovation-driven development.
The Commandant General’s tour of Anambra is part of a nationwide operational assessment aimed at improving welfare, operational readiness, and synergy among security stakeholders. It underscores the NSCDC’s renewed focus on community trust, proactive engagement, and service excellence under Prof. Audi’s leadership.
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have rescued three kidnapped women following a gun battle with bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum road in Anka Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Oct. 7, when armed bandits blocked the highway and attacked a Golf vehicle with registration number RBC 22 ABUJA.
The assailants abducted the driver and three passengers before the arrival of the Anti-Kidnapping team led by Insp. Ibrahim Ubandoma.
The security team engaged the bandits in a fierce shootout, overpowering them and rescuing the three abducted passengers unhurt.
The rescued victims were identified as Lantana Abubakar, aged 70; Fatima Muhammad, aged 45; and Suwaiba Muhammad, aged 40, all residents of Gummi town in Gummi Local Government Area.
The victims were safely escorted to Anka town by the security team.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted driver, as patrol operations continue in the area.
Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara
Police kill two bandits in Zamfara ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two armed bandits during an exchange of fire with security operatives in Mada District, Gusau Local Government Area.
According to sources, the operation followed credible intelligence about an imminent bandit attack on villages within the Mada area.
The sources stated that at about 3:10 a.m. on Oct. 7, a joint team of police tactical operatives, community protection guards (CPG), and local hunters were deployed to Fegin Mahe village, where they laid an ambush along the suspected route of the bandits.
Three bandits were said to have approached the location and were immediately engaged in a gun battle by the security team.
Two of the bandits were killed during the encounter, while the third escaped with possible gunshot injuries.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Police kill two bandits in Zamfara ambush
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
Pay us all our dues or prepare for indefinite strike…. ASUU to the federal government
Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara
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