Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The growing threat of luggage tag swapping by drug traffickers, which has put countless innocent travelers at risk of arrest and even death sentences abroad, took center stage at a high-level roundtable convened by Amnesty International Nigeria in collaboration with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
The event, themed “End Luggage Tag Swapping for Drugs Trafficking,” was held in Abuja on September 30, 2025, and brought together a wide array of stakeholders including government officials, drug law enforcement agencies, security operatives, airport authorities, travel agencies, and victims of the criminal practice.
Discussions highlighted the harrowing experiences of unsuspecting travelers, some of whom have faced imprisonment or death row in countries such as Saudi Arabia due to traffickers exploiting gaps in airport security. Participants underscored that the menace is not only a serious human rights violation but also a threat to national security and international relations.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, delivered a keynote address urging stronger inter-agency collaboration and preventive measures. He emphasized that coordinated action across aviation authorities, security agencies, and law enforcement is essential to protect travelers.
Also represented were the Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Ministry of Aviation, airline operators, aviation handlers, as well as victims and their families. All participants collectively called for immediate policy reforms, tighter airport surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to safeguard innocent lives.
The roundtable was described as a significant first step in mounting a national response to dismantle drug traffickers’ tactics and ensure that no innocent traveler is wrongfully punished for crimes they did not commit.
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