Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has issued a stern warning to intending pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Hajj, cautioning them against any acts that could tarnish the image of Nigeria, particularly drug trafficking and money laundering.

The governor delivered the warning during a farewell ceremony for the pilgrims on Sunday in Gombe. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibrahim Njodi.

Yahaya urged the pilgrims to avoid associating with people involved in drug peddling or other illicit activities, noting the grave consequences such actions could bring, especially in Saudi Arabia where drug trafficking carries a mandatory death sentence.

“Anybody caught carrying prohibited items, especially narcotic drugs, whose penalty in Saudi Arabia is death, should have himself or herself to blame,” the governor said.

“You must not allow yourselves to be used as conduit pipes for illegal trade, even unknowingly.”

He further advised the pilgrims to conduct themselves with dignity and patriotism, obeying all laws and regulations of both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. He warned that any unruly behavior would be met with appropriate sanctions.

Yahaya also charged officials of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to discharge their responsibilities diligently and give maximum attention to the welfare of the pilgrims.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Mr. Saadu Hassan, disclosed that a total of 957 pilgrims from Gombe will be participating in this year’s Hajj.

According to him, the first batch of 512 pilgrims is scheduled to depart on Monday, while the second batch of 445 will travel on Tuesday.

In his remarks, the Emir of Dukku and chairman of the pilgrims’ board, Alhaji Haruna Rashid II, commended Governor Yahaya for his continued support, which he said has ensured a smooth Hajj preparation process for the state’s pilgrims.