The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday warned Nigerian pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia and those yet to arrival the Holy Land for this year’s Hajj to avoid being caught with any prohibited items, including illicit drugs.
The Hajj body reminded the pilgrims that Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, hence its strict laws against drug trafficking, whose penalty is death.
NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, gave the warning in a statement signed on his behalf by the Commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, listing the illegal items to include kola nuts, cigarettes, illicit drugs, among others.
According to the NAHCON boss, warned intending pilgrims yet to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia warns intending pilgrims to beware of being used as conduit for any illicit trade without their knowledge.
He, therefore, advised them to be extra vigilant over their bags at the airports to avoid implantation of prohibited items to their luggage unawares.
“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.
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“The pilgrims are reminded that as a nation deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, Saudi Arabia holds strict laws against drug trafficking, penalty for which is death.
“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 chairman stated.
He asserted that 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.
While urging pilgrims to uphold their honour and dignity as well as those of Nigeria, Arabi urged the state Muslims welfare board to cooperate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other related agencies with a view to avoiding smuggling prohibited items to Saudi Arabia.
“One the other hand, the Commission’s management warns intending pilgrims to beware of being used as conduit for any illicit trade without their knowledge.
“Therefore, they are advised to be extra vigilant over their bags at the airports to avoid implantation of prohibited items to their luggage unawares.
“Pilgrims are urged to uphold their honour and dignity and that of the country, as any individual caught smuggling prohibited items not only brings shame upon themselves but also tarnished the reputation of their nation.
“NAHCON similarly advises 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 and unnecessary delays during screening in both countries.”
