NDLEA warns returning Nigerians ahead of Detty December

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, has issued a public warning to citizens living abroad, urging them not to smuggle illicit drugs into the country as many prepare to return home for the festive “Detty December” season.

Babafemi posted on X on Sunday that some returning Nigerians, popularly known as IJGBs (I Just Got Back), have been attempting to bring in prohibited substances disguised as gummies, smoke, or cookies.

“It’s that time of the year for many of our IJGBs to return home for Detty December and other celebrations. Some have started coming in ahead of time and one common pattern is the mistake or error by some to want to smuggle in illicit drugs for use and enjoy with friends,” Babafemi wrote.

He stressed that such substances remain illegal under Nigerian law regardless of packaging.

“Illicit drugs under whatever guise or package as gummies, smoke or cookies are illegal and can lead you to spend your Detty December behind bars,” he added.

Babafemi called on friends and family members to alert travellers before they board flights, noting heightened enforcement by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“As their friends and family members, this is the time to alert and warn them before boarding their flights home that there’s strict enforcement of the drug laws in Nigeria now. Kindly share this with them ahead of time so they won’t say they don’t know,” he added.

Accompanying the post were photographs of recent weekend seizures by NDLEA officers.

The images show packaged cannabis products, including bags labelled “Honest Pharm Co” and “Grown Smart,” along with rolling papers, smoking pipes, vaporizers, and other paraphernalia laid out on tables, some placed on digital scales.

Babafemi concluded with a proverb: “A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.”