18th August, 2016
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), an NGO, has called on security agencies to be more vigilant throughout the Hajj operations to prevent Nigerians contravening laws.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed and issued in Abuja on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, and Publicity Secretary, Malam Abubakar Mahmoud.
IHR is apparently reacting to the recent arrest of some pilgrims from Kwara by the vigilant Saudi security agents for smuggling suspected hard substances into the Kingdom.
The group charged Nigeria’s security agencies to adopt extra security measures to avoid further embarrassment of the nation.
They called on the security agencies, especially those operating at pilgrims’ take-off points, to be more vigilant and thorough in their screening of pilgrims.
“No stone should be left unturned in order to ensure that pilgrims do not enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with contrabands,” said the organisation.
On the progress of Hajj operations, IHR however commended the three airlines engaged in the exercise for transporting more than 30,000 pilgrims within 10 days of commencement of their operation.
“Based on information obtained from the aviation department’s command and control unit of NAHCON indicates that, 30,474 pilgrims were airlifted from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 73 flight operations.
“We commend the Hajj 2016 air carriers (Medview, Max and Flynas airlines) for transporting over 30,000 pilgrims within 10 days of commencement of Hajj transportation.
“It is a record breaking feat especially in the history of Hajj transportation in Nigeria.
“Specifically, Medview Airline have been outstanding in its strict compliance to airlifts schedules,” the group said.
IHR, however, advised the airlines to rededicate themselves to the remaining tasks of transporting remaining pilgrims before the closure of Saudi airport.
“We also expect similar degree of commitment from the airlines during the return trip of Nigerian pilgrims”.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), says no fewer than 20,000 pilgrims had been transported to Saudi Arabia since the exercise started a week ago.
The Media Officer to the commission, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday