The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has raised concerns over the involvement of South African nationals in international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria.

The agency says three South Africans have been arrested in recent operations, with substantial quantities of heroin, cocaine and synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Loud, recovered.

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

Okogun said the arrests were particularly concerning because of their potential implications for Nigeria’s international reputation.

He explained that investigations had revealed the involvement of some foreign nationals in facilitating the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria to other countries, while others were also bringing prohibited substances into the country.

The NDLEA spokesman said the suspects were believed to be working for international drug cartels, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify their sponsors, networks and intended destinations.

He noted that the reluctance of suspects to disclose information about their sponsors and the final destinations of drug consignments often made investigations challenging.

The latest disclosure follows separate arrests of South African nationals at Nigerian international airports.

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

Similarly, on July 6, 2026, NDLEA operatives arrested another South African, 38-year-old Will Jessica Ann, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin allegedly concealed in 14 blocks inside her luggage.

The agency says investigations into the cases are continuing as it intensifies efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria