The Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has cautioned prospective pilgrims preparing for the 2026 Hajj to remain alert and avoid being deceived by drug traffickers who conceal illegal substances in travelers’ luggage.
The State Commander, Tijani Rabe, issued the warning while hosting the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGMPWB), Ajibola Taiwo, and his team at the NDLEA headquarters in Abeokuta.
Rabe reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining its partnership with the OGMPWB to educate intending pilgrims about the dangers and consequences of drug trafficking. He emphasized the importance of continuous awareness campaigns on the tactics used by traffickers, noting that each incident of drug-related arrest involving a pilgrim damages Nigeria’s international reputation.
He added that the NDLEA would collaborate more closely with the Pilgrims Board in its sensitization efforts to expose emerging smuggling techniques and enhance preventive awareness among travelers.
“The partnership between NDLEA and the Pilgrims Welfare Board is crucial to ensuring that intending pilgrims are well informed about drug laws in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” Rabe stated.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the OGMPWB, Ajibola Taiwo, commended the NDLEA for its consistent support in enlightening pilgrims over the years.
He noted that preparations for the 2026 Hajj had already commenced and urged the agency to remain actively involved in educating pilgrims ahead of the exercise.
“As a major stakeholder in Hajj operations, it is important that NDLEA is fully briefed about the 2026 itinerary and prepared to engage our pilgrims on drug-related issues,” Taiwo added.
