FG Commends Saudi Arabia for Freeing Three Nigerians Detained Over Tampered Luggage

The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to Saudi authorities for releasing three Nigerians who were wrongfully detained in Jeddah after criminal syndicates linked prohibited items to their travel documents.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, announced the development in a statement issued Wednesday by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

The affected travellers — Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi — were arrested in August 2025 at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

According to Tuggar, investigations revealed that illegal substances had been secretly affixed to their airline tickets at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) by criminal networks operating without the passengers’ knowledge.

He said:
“Upon notification, the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Amb. Muazam Nayaya, immediately engaged Saudi authorities and informed Headquarters in Abuja. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was also requested to support the investigations.
“The Mission maintained regular contact with the authorities, conducted prison visits, and provided legal representation for the detainees.”

The minister noted that their eventual clearance by Saudi authorities demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy doctrine.

Following extensive investigations, Saudi officials absolved the trio of any involvement and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025.

Tuggar added:
“A temporary travel restriction has been fully lifted.
Mrs Maryam Abdullahi and Mrs Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025.
The travel ban on Mr Sadieq was lifted on December 2, 2025, and arrangements for his return are ongoing.”

He applauded Saudi authorities for their professionalism, and commended both the NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah for their roles in securing justice for the detained citizens.

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