From Usman Gwadabe, Makkah
Saudi Arabia government has secured drones that could detect chemical smoke within seven kilometres in Arafat, Mina and Mustalifa (Masha’ir) with a view to protecting pilgrims from calamity.
This was made known to Nigerian Hajj Media Team when Makkah Media Coordinator of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Muhammad Ahmad Musa led some journalists on familiarisation visit to Saudi Arabian Ministry of Media in Makkah.
According to the Saudi authority the drones would also detect smoke three kilometres above the sky, noting that this facility would assist them to make a quick response to any unexpected problems.
The government further informed the team that a soft chemical would be spread across the Arafat, Mina and Mustalifa to reduce sun heat, adding that 3,000 electrical bicycles would be provided to ease transportation from Mina to Makkah.
Meanwhile, Nigerian pilgrims have been enjoined to be law abiding citizens while in the Holy land.
Chairman National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi made the call shortly after he landed at the Prince Muhammad Bn Abdulaziz International Airport Madinah in an interview with newsmen in Madinah.
He said this would enable them to perform their Hajj rites without any threat from the Saudi authorities.
Jalal Ahmad Arabi appealed to the pilgrims to strive hard to pray for peace, prosperity and stability in the country while in the Holy land.
The flight is the last to convey Nigerian pilgrims to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajjj operation.
