(Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP)
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) cautioned intending pilgrims to be wary of criminal characters intending to use unsuspecting pilgrims to transport illicit substances to Saudi Arabia.
National Commissioner, North West, NAHCON, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Othman gave the advise on Monday at a stakeholders meeting and inauguration of the operation committee for the 2024 Hajj in Kano.
The Islamic scholar reminded the Kano contingents of previous ugly incidences that almost tarnished the image of the country, and insisted on no condition should intending pilgrims accept to transport bags or parcels to anyone in the Kingdom.
Bin Othman’s admonition came when a nongovernmental organization Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) called for coordinated security surveillance at hajj camps across the country.
The National Commissioner disclosed that preparation for the airlift of intending pilgrims in Northwestern states has reached advanced stage, adding that no stone was left untold to guarantee hitch-free operation.
Earlier, the Director General, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Lamin Danbappa stressed that Kano has secured 100 percent visa and is prepared to commence airlift 24th May 2024.
Danbappa said the state government has approved 100 Riyadh allowance for each intending pilgrims from Kano.
In a statement by IHR National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammad, on Monday sir over 65, 000 intending pilgrims from Nigeria leaving their homes to various Hajj camps for screening and onward transportation to about 15 airports within the next 30 days.
Mohammad stressed that with such mass movement of people from one point to another creates serious security challenges that need a comprehensive and coordinated strategy by the various security agencies in the country.
“While we appreciate the efforts made by security agencies in previous operations, we call on the federal government to order and activate a high-level security surveillance system to monitor and protect the movement of pilgrims throughout the outbound and inbound airlift operations,” Mohammad said.
“We also urge State Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards to advise intending pilgrims against coming to hajj camps with large escorts usually made up of family members as such increases the likelihood of security breaches especially when airlift operations demand that pilgrims can be invited to hajj camps at any time of the day or night.
“State governments should complement the federal security architecture by mobilizing local vigilantes and other volunteers to form a hajj security team and provide them with internal communication equipment with state hajj officials, airliners and other airlift stakeholders.
“As journalists who worked closely with security agencies during hajj operations, IHR had in the last few years honour security institutions during its annual hajj lectures and awards to appreciate and encourage them to improve on their daunting tasks of maintaining security of lives and properties across the country.”
IHR further appeals to Security forces to take necessary “measures to prevent evil-minded groups from exploiting the Hajj season to carry out acts of sabotage.”
