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Saudi authorities free 3 Nigerian pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking

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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

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One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

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One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued one kidnapped victim and neutralised a suspected armed bandit following an attack on Dankabali Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on April 30 when about 20 armed bandits on 10 motorcycles invaded the community in Kagara District and abducted four residents.

The sources disclosed that the abducted persons were identified as Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, Halima Mani, Rabiatu Muhammad, and Karima Muhammad.

According to the sources, the troops under Operation Fansar Yamma and the police joint tactical team was mobilised immediately after receiving the distress call and commenced search-and-rescue operations.

They added that during a combing operation in a nearby forest, the joint forces made contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire in which one bandit was neutralised.

The sources further said one of the abducted victims, Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, was successfully rescued unharmed, taken to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara for medical examination, and later reunited with his family.

They noted that ongoing operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining three victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects.

Security presence has since been reinforced in the Dankabali axis, while surveillance and patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.

One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

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Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto

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Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto

By Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits and recovered 27 rustled animals in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 1 when a large number of armed bandits invaded Gumki and Zeringo-Gande villages, firing sporadically and rustling domestic animals.

The sources disclosed that upon receiving the distress the troops swiftly mobilised and blocked routes leading to the bandits’ camp in Zamori forest.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun duel, overpowering them and forcing their retreat toward the Niger Republic border.

They added that all 27 rustled animals were successfully recovered and would be returned to their rightful owners.

The sources further confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded among security personnel during the operation.

Security presence has since been reinforced in the area, with continuous patrols to prevent further incursions.

Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto

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Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

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Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

By Zagazola Makama

A 14-year-old boy, Musa Umar, has died following a violent altercation with a neighbour in Jama’are village via Fika in Yobe State.

Security sources said the incident occurred on April 30 at about 10:00 p.m. when Musa engaged in a fight with another minor, Adamu Yusuf, 12, during which he was struck on the head with a stick.

The sources disclosed that the injured boy was initially rushed to Gadaka General Hospital for treatment before being referred to Fika General Hospital due to the severity of his condition.

According to the sources, Musa died on the way to the referral hospital and was later certified dead by a medical doctor.

They added that the body was documented and released to the family for burial following necessary procedures.

The sources further said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, while investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

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