The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday warned intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj against hiding prohibited items in their luggage while departing for Saudi Arabia.

Assistant Commander, Narcotic Aisha Hamisu, issued the warning while addressing prospective pilgrims in Kano at the opening of the state enlightenment exercise yesterday.

The senior narcotic officer drew the participants’ attention to prohibited items that should not be in their luggage to the holy land.

Hamisu specifically stressed that pilgrims should desist from trafficking kolanut, medicines not prescribed, illicit substance, among others, warning that if found, such materials would be confiscated.

Meanwhile, Governor Abba Yusuf appealed to Kano contingents to be mindful of newly introduced policies and regulations on hajj during the orientation exercise.

Yusuf, who was represented by the Director General, State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Lami Danbappa, said the government has provided enabling facilities and arrangements for hitch-free exercise.

Earlier, the DG disclosed that the board has successfully registered 2,300 prospective pilgrims who have completed their final hajj fare out of 5,934 seats allocated to Kano.

While emphasising on the February 12, 2024, deadline for registration and final payment, Danbappa said interested persons have less than 48 hours to meet the deadline.

He said the enlightenment exercise, which would hold weekly across 12 centres in the state, would enable selected dedicated Islamic scholars to educate intending pilgrims on the spiritual journey.

“NAHCON have asked all state pilgrims welfare boards to complete collection of balance and payment of the whole package by Monday.

“I, therefore, urge all those that had paid their deposit and want to pay the balance, or even those that are willing to pay to quickly do so before the Monday deadline, otherwise you risk missing this year’s hajj,” he added.

He said the board has completed all the necessary arrangements for the 2024 hajj operations both in Kano and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, giving assurance to the intending pilgrims that they would get value for their money.

He charged them to intensify efforts in ensuring regular attendance for the Hajj orientation exercise. (The Guardian)

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