The Saudi Arabian government has released three Nigerian women who were arrested for possession of cocaine.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the spokesman of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ebienfa said the release of the women followed high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

He listed the released Nigerian women as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi. They were arrested for alleged possession of substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The Nigerians were apprehended on March 5, 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.

“The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.

“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.

“The Ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

“Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.

“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” the statement said.

The Nigerian Air Force has promoted 47 personnel at the 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group in Gombe.

The promoted personnel included 23 officers, five senior non-commissioned officers , and 19 non-commissioned officers.

Among the notable promotions was Warrant Officer Aliyu Jatau, who was elevated to the rank of Master Warrant Officer.

The promotions were celebrated during the maiden veterans’ parley and the second edition of the Base Annual Socio-cultural Activities 2024 at the NAF Base Lawanti in Gombe on Saturday.

Commander of the 109 CRG, Wing Commander Maxine Mokelu, highlighted that the promotions aligned with the Chief of the Air Staff’s philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated force, stressing that the promotion process was rigorous and based on merit.

“This event demonstrates our commitment to having a motivated force. The screening process for these promotions was keenly contested, ensuring that only those with the right qualities were elevated,” Mokelu said.

The veterans’ parley also served as a platform for dialogue between retired and active personnel.

Retired Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Mu’azu expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration between serving and retired officers, emphasising its importance for national security.

“We must continue fostering cooperation between serving and retired personnel, as it greatly enhances security within our forces and in the broader society,” Mu’azu said.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has directed an immediate crackdown on those responsible for the killings of two farmers in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state, on Friday.

The governor gave the directive in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Lokoja.

He said he had directed the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended and brought to justice.

Two farmers were killed on Friday when gunmen attacked the Odo-Ape community in the Kogi West Senatorial District of the state.

“The government is putting all hands on deck to ensure the attackers do not escape justice,” Ododo said.

The governor urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals and warned that such could lead to further losses.

Ododo expressed his condolences to the affected families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.

He added: “We sympathise with the communities affected by this unfortunate incident.

“Be assured that Ododo’s administration is fully committed to your security and will stop at nothing to guarantee your safety.

“The victims of this heinous act will not die in vain. We remain resolute in our fight against the enemies of peace and security in Kogi State.”

The statement also urged the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the culprits.

The governor noted that every life in Kogi remained important, and called for cooperation to end criminal activities.

Already, security operatives had been deployed in Odo-Ape and other flashpoints in the area to restore peace and ensure the protection of lives and properties.

The government assured residents that normalcy would be restored within hours.