No fewer than 428 Lagos State intending pilgrims were airlifted by Flynas, a Saudi Arabia-based airline to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2023 holy pilgrimage.
On board the airline with Number XY 5680, which took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja at 5.21pm last Thursday, were 286 males and 242 females.
It was also confirmed that another set of 53 intending pilgrims were airlifted from Oyo, Osun and Ogun states the same night.
The departure of the second and third flights, therefore brought the total number of Lagos State intending pilgrims already airlifted to the Kingdom to 871.
The officer in charge of the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Alhaji Isiaku Mohammed Salau, told journalists that in fulfilling its mandate, the agency ensured that all the intending pilgrims travelling through the airport were thoroughly screened with a view to ensuring that none of them left the country with illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
He cautioned others yet to be airlifted to avoid taking along prohibited items such as Tramadol, cola nut, heroine, etc. while embarking on the spiritual journey, saying “if they are caught, whether in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia, they would be punished in accordance with the laws.”
At the airport to bid them good bye were the immediate past Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi; Board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar; Alhaji Mojeed Sanni and Waheed Shonibare, both Board members.
Also at the airport were Alhaja Basirat Akintunde, South West Commissioner, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON); Alhaji Gafar Odunola Babatunde, South West Zonal Coordinator and other officials of Lagos and Federal Government agencies.
