Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society organisation that monitors and reports hajj activities, has charged security agencies to adopt extra security measures to avoid further embarrassment to the nation.

This follows the recent arrests of three Kwara State pilgrims in Medina, for allegedly being in possession of had drugs.

The group lauded the Hajj 2016 air carriers for the airlifting of over 30,000 pilgrims within 10 days of commencement of airlift, and for adhering to their airlift schedules.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud, made available to our reporter in Mecca.

The statement said: “We call 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 contraband items

“We commend the Hajj 2016 air carriers (Medview, Max and Flynas airlines) for airlifting of over 30,000 pilgrims within 10 days of commencement of hajj airlift.

“It is a record breaking feat especially in the history of hajj airlifts in Nigeria. It will be noted that the inaugural flight took place on 8th of September, 2016 in Sokoto with Zamafara State pilgrims. Specifically, Medview airline has been outstanding in its strict compliance to airlifts schedules.”

The statement added: “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 flights operations as at 3:900pm of 18th of Augusts 2016. Out of this figure, over 28,000 pilgrims were airlifted to Madina directly thereby relieving pilgrims the headache of travelling to Madina by road. It has also solved the ranging issue of Mikat.”

On the recent arrests of some Kwara State pilgrims, the statement further charges security agencies to adopt extra security measures to avoid further embarrassment to the nation. “We call 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 contraband items.

“However, while we commend the airliners on this feat, they should rededicate themselves to the remaining tasks of airlifting all our dear pilgrims before the closure of Saudi air space for hajj 2016 pilgrims, and exhibit the same level of professionalism during the return journey.”

•Photo shows Nigerian Muslims departing for the Hajj.

Update news