The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has cautioned Nigerians travelling to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj to be wary of unsolicited assistance from unknown persons at the departure points.
The Commission’s Head of Media, Alhaji Uba Mana, gave the caution in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
Mana advised the intending pilgrims to be wary of people who approach Very Important Personalities (VIPs) to offer assistance in carrying their luggage to weighing and check-in counters.
He said that information at the disposal of commission indicated that some of these people sometimes plant drugs in the luggage of the VIPs to create problems for them on arrival in the Holy Land.
“To stop this nefarious activity, NAHCON is advising all Umrah pilgrims irrespective of status to henceforth ensure they accompany their luggage up to the last point.
“Travellers should also be careful at the checking-in counters and also endeavour to properly secure their luggage.
“The Saudi Authorities are very strict with the laws prohibiting transportation of drugs or any contraband.
“This advisory becomes necessary following the arrest of some Umrah (lesser hajj) pilgrims who are victims of such activity,“`Mana said.