NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Foreign Drug Traffickers After Arrests of Three South Africans

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns over the growing involvement of foreign nationals in international drug trafficking operations using Nigeria as a transit route, following the arrest of three South African citizens in separate operations.

The agency disclosed that the suspects were arrested with significant quantities of illicit substances, including heroin, cocaine and synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Loud.

The Assistant Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Francis Okogun, made this known on Thursday during a joint security briefing in Abuja.

He explained that the arrests had attracted attention because of concerns that the activities of foreign drug traffickers could create a negative impression of Nigeria internationally.

According to him, investigations have shown that some foreign nationals are increasingly involved in facilitating the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria to other countries, while others bring prohibited substances into the country.

Okogun said the three suspects were believed to be working for international drug cartels, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the destinations of the seized substances and identify those sponsoring the operations.

He noted that uncovering the networks behind international drug shipments remained challenging because suspects were often reluctant to disclose information about their sponsors and intended destinations.

The latest arrests follow separate drug trafficking operations involving South African nationals at Nigerian airports.

In October 2026, NDLEA operatives arrested a South African woman, Gebashe Sithandiwe Jessie, at the Port Harcourt International Airport over the alleged importation of 32.74 kilogrammes of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Thai Loud.

Earlier, on July 6, the agency arrested another South African national, 38-year-old Will Jessica Ann, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after discovering 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin concealed in 14 blocks inside her luggage.

She was arrested during the inward clearance of passengers aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Abuja.

Meanwhile, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has declared a renewed offensive against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Benin, Marwa called on security agencies, religious organisations, schools, community leaders and civil society groups to strengthen collaboration in tackling illicit drug activities.

He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children and seek early intervention where necessary, while encouraging schools to establish drug-free and counselling clubs to discourage substance abuse among students.