Be tough with erring pilgrims, NAHCON tells NDLEA, others

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to be tough with intending pilgrims poised on smuggling prohibited items to Saudi Arabia.

It insisted that law enforcement agencies at the air borders should arrest pilgrims in possession of banned items and substances.

NAHCON Chairman, Ahmad Jalal Arabi, gave the directive at the airlifting of outbound pilgrims for the 2024 hajj, stating that containing unwholesome behaviours would save Nigeria needless embarrassment and delay during screening.

In a statement yesterday by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, the NAHCON boss warned intending pilgrims to avoid being used as conduit for any illicit trade.

To avoid falling prey to evil missions, Arabi advised the travelers to be very watchful of their bags at the airports.

He reminded the Nigerian contingent that as a nation deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has zero tolerance for drug trafficking, with the death sentence being a penalty.

He cautioned: “Pilgrims are urged to uphold their honour and dignity and that of the country, as any individual caught smuggling prohibited items not only disgraces themselves but also tarnishes the reputation of their nation.

“Intending pilgrims for the 2024 hajj are cautioned to refrain from travelling with illicit drugs, kola nuts, cigarettes, etc. into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NAHCON wishes to remind the pilgrims that the purpose of their trip to Saudi Arabia is for worship, therefore they should not be distracted by acts that would violate the sanctity of their hajj.

“The Hajj period is a time for spiritual reflection and prayers that should be approached with reverence and respect for the laws and customs of the host country.”

“We advise state pilgrims boards to collaborate fully with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other related agencies in ensuring that persons planning to smuggle items prohibited in Saudi Arabia are apprehended to avoid embarrassment to the country.”