The Federal Government has commended Saudi authorities for releasing three Nigerian nationals who were detained in Jeddah after prohibited substances were secretly planted in their luggage by criminal syndicates operating at Kano International Airport.
The freed citizens, Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Abdullahi, and Bahijah Abdullahi were arrested in August 2025 upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport when prohibited items were discovered attached to their air tickets without their knowledge.
In a statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed that the substances were fraudulently inserted by syndicates at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The victims were completely unaware of the criminal act.Through sustained diplomatic efforts, the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah provided legal representation, coordinated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), maintained constant communication with Saudi officials, and conducted regular prison visits.
Following exhaustive investigations, Saudi authorities exonerated the three Nigerians and ordered their release on 14 and 15 September 2025.
Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned safely to Nigeria on 5 November 2025. Abdulhamid Sadieq, who had remained under a travel restriction, had the ban lifted on 2 December 2025, with arrangements now underway for his repatriation.
Ambassador Tuggar praised the professionalism and thoroughness of the Saudi authorities, stating that the successful resolution underscores the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s 4D Diplomacy Doctrine in protecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance against drug trafficking and vowed continued collaboration with international partners to dismantle criminal networks that endanger innocent travellers.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com