The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has issued a stern warning to intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj to avoid travelling with prohibited items into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON issued the warning through a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Thursday in Abuja.
The Commission mentioned such items as illicit drugs, kola nuts, cigarettes, stressing that Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage and holds strict laws against drug trafficking with death penalty awaiting violators.
“Intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj are cautioned to refrain from traveling with illicit drugs, kola nuts, cigarettes etc., into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The pilgrims are reminded that as a nation deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, Saudi Arabia holds strict laws against drug trafficking, the 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 statement said.
Hajj 2024: Don’t smuggle prohibited items into Saudi Arabia – NAHCON warns
