The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a group of would-be pilgrims attempting to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia under the guise of embarking on the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the suspects were arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during routine screening of outbound passengers headed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had ingested cocaine pellets and attempted to conceal the narcotics internally, hoping to evade detection during the pilgrimage journey,” Babafemi said.

The agency did not immediately disclose the number of individuals apprehended but noted that all suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with investigators.

According to NDLEA, intelligence-led operations have intensified in recent weeks as Nigeria ramps up Hajj travel arrangements. The agency warned drug traffickers attempting to exploit religious pilgrimages as cover, vowing to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.

“We will not allow sacred religious journeys to be desecrated by criminal elements,” Babafemi stated. “The Hajj is a spiritual obligation, not a passageway for crime.”

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has also condemned the attempted smuggling, calling it “a disgraceful act that dishonors the sanctity of Hajj.” The Council urged security agencies to maintain vigilance and called for stiffer penalties for those caught engaging in such activities.

This incident adds to a growing list of cases in which traffickers have attempted to exploit pilgrimage seasons for illicit purposes. The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Nigerian airports drug-free and maintaining the country’s reputation abroad.