Three Jigawa Pilgrims Lose Money, Valuables To Theft During Hajj In Saudi Arabia

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Three pilgrims from Jigawa State taking part in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have reportedly fallen victim to theft in separate incidents involving cash and personal belongings.

One of the affected pilgrims, an elderly Fulani man identified as Baba Katanga from Katanga village in Kiyawa Local Government Area, said he lost 400 US dollars after boarding a taxi from Masjidil Haram to Mahabbat Al Akhawin Hotel in Makkah.

The pilgrim alleged that the taxi driver stole the money while he was checking his Nusuk card during the journey.

“I was surprised when I later checked and discovered that my 400 dollars had disappeared. I became confused because that was the money I intended to use throughout my stay,” he said.

In another incident, a Fulani pilgrim from Jahun Local Government Area reportedly lost all his dollar notes to a suspected taxi driver. His identity was not made public.

A female pilgrim popularly called Hajiya also reportedly lost a handbag that contained two mobile phones and cash meant for her upkeep during the pilgrimage.

The incident happened at Miqat in Madinah, where pilgrims usually prepare for Umrah by performing ablution, wearing Ihram and making Niyyah before travelling to Makkah.

Sources said the woman left the bag unattended briefly before she discovered that it had disappeared.

The incidents have reportedly generated sympathy among other pilgrims from Jigawa State, with some of them contributing money to assist the victims while awaiting possible intervention from relevant authorities.

The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo, expressed concern over the incidents and assured the affected pilgrims of support from the board.

He said the board had earlier warned pilgrims before their departure from Nigeria to remain alert and protect their money and valuables from criminals who target crowded places.

Labbo also advised pilgrims not to hand over their belongings to strangers or leave valuables unattended, especially around holy sites and transport locations.

He further prayed for the safety and protection of all pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.