Kaduna Pilgrims Get Anti-Drug Briefing as Bita Hits Week 16
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has reinforced its compliance-driven preparations for the 2026 Hajj with a targeted anti-drug sensitisation session for intending pilgrims, as its ongoing Bita program enters its 16th week.
The engagement was delivered in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Kaduna State University (KASU), through its Centre for Forensic, Hard Drugs Analysis and Sensor Technology (CFHDAS).
The session held at Sardauna Memorial School, which currently hosts the Kaduna South and Headquarters registration centres, as part of the structured pilgrim enlightenment framework.
Speaking at the briefing, the NDLEA representative in charge of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Mr. Shuaibu Muhammad, warned pilgrims against involvement with prohibited substances.
He stressed that drug-related violations attract strict sanctions in Saudi Arabia. He urged full compliance with international travel and pilgrimage regulations.
In his presentation, the Director of CFHDAS, Dr. Salamatu Hayatu, reinforced the advisory, calling on pilgrims to strictly adhere to host country laws and maintain zero tolerance for illicit substances throughout the Hajj process.
On institutional alignment, the Director of Enlightenment of the Agency, Malam Abubakar Alhassan, described the collaboration as a strategic compliance safeguard, urging pilgrims to demonstrate discipline and cooperate fully with authorities.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Finance, Hajiya Halima Aliyu Babale, emphasised reputational responsibility, charging pilgrims to uphold the image of Kaduna State and Nigeria during the pilgrimage exercise.
The sensitisation drive reflects an expanded risk-management approach within the Bita framework, designed to enhance pilgrim awareness, regulatory compliance, and behavioural discipline ahead of the 2026 Hajj operations.
