The Federal Government has announced that three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia have been released after being arrested at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, in August 2025.
The confirmation was issued through a statement shared on the Nigerian Presidency’s X handle on Thursday.
The freed individuals were named as Mr. Abdulhamid Sadie, Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi.
According to the statement, their arrest stemmed from the discovery of prohibited substances in luggage that had been secretly linked to their air tickets by criminal syndicates operating at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without their awareness.
Once informed of the situation, Ambassador Muazam I. J. Nayaya, Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, reached out to Saudi authorities, notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, and sought the involvement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to aid the investigation.
The Nigerian Mission maintained consistent communication with Saudi officials, ensured prison visits were conducted, and coordinated legal representation for the detained nationals.
After a comprehensive inquiry, Saudi authorities declared the three Nigerians innocent of any wrongdoing.
“Mrs. Maryam Husseini Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on 5th November 2025, while the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadie was lifted on 2nd November 2025, with arrangements for his return currently underway,” the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the professionalism of Saudi authorities and acknowledged the essential support provided by the NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah in ensuring a fair resolution.
It further noted that the successful release underscores Nigeria’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad, in alignment with the 4D Doctrine of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
What you should know
This development reflects the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to defending Nigerians abroad, especially in cases involving international security concerns.
The release of the three individuals followed a detailed investigation proving that criminal syndicates at MAKIA had tampered with their travel documents without their knowledge. The coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, and the NDLEA played a crucial role in resolving the case.
The swift diplomatic intervention and eventual clearance by Saudi authorities highlight the importance of vigilance, cooperation, and structured foreign policy engagement in protecting citizens globally.
