Saudi Arabia

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a consignment of cocaine ingeniously hidden inside 20 sets of religious books intended for export to Saudi Arabia.

The discovery was made on Tuesday, April 15, at a courier company in Lagos by the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) officers. During a routine search of outbound cargo, the officers uncovered 20 parcels of cocaine, weighing a total of 500 grams, carefully buried within the pages of the books.

The NDLEA described the concealment method as a “desperate and deceptive tactic,” aimed at evading detection. The books were among items listed for shipment to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over the potential abuse of religious materials to traffic illicit substances.

This interception is part of a broader crackdown by the agency, which has recorded several major seizures across the country in recent days. However, the religious bookcase has drawn particular attention due to its audacious nature and the sensitive destination.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the Lagos command for its vigilance and professionalism. He emphasised the agency’s resolve to disrupt drug trafficking networks using any means, no matter how disguised.

Investigations into the identity of those behind the shipment are ongoing.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched a groundbreaking digital enrichment project using artificial intelligence (AI) to teach and correct the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.

The initiative, inaugurated on Saturday, is part of broader efforts to enhance the experience of pilgrims and visitors at the Two Holy Mosques. 

It offers an advanced educational platform that allows users to enhance their recitation through AI-driven analysis, listen to model recitations from imams of the mosque, and explore translations of the surah in various languages.

According to the Presidency, this represents the pilot phase of the project, which is expected to expand in the future. The platform employs advanced algorithms to evaluate recitation in real-time, connecting traditional learning methods with modern technology.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation strategy in religious education, the initiative aims to offer a seamless and enriching learning experience for visitors from around the world.

By Uzair Adam

A Saudi-designated Nigerian Hajj air carrier, Flynas, has formalized an agreement with the Nigerian government for the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj operations.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will commence on May 5, 2025.

The agreement was signed on Monday at NAHCON’s headquarters in Abuja by the Chief Commercial Officer of Flynas, Mr. Khaled Alhejairi, and the commission’s Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.

Present at the signing were Flynas’s Director for Business Development, Mr. Yasser Ajlan, Manager of Business Development, Mr. Hani Isma’il, and the Managing Director of First Planet Travels and General Sales Agent (GSA) of Flynas in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila.

Mr. Alhejairi reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to maintaining high service standards for Nigerian pilgrims, stating that Flynas has consistently fulfilled its obligations since joining the Nigerian Hajj operations in 2014.

“We want to assure NAHCON that Flynas will continue to provide comfortable and seamless travel experiences for our esteemed customers in Nigeria during the Hajj operation,” he said.

In January, NAHCON approved four airlines—Flynas, Air Peace, Max Air, and Umza Aviation Services Limited—for the 2025 Hajj operations. Among them, Flynas, the most experienced, has successfully transported Nigerian pilgrims for the past decade.

For the 2025 Hajj, Nigeria has a projected quota of 71,274 pilgrims, with NAHCON preliminarily allocating 22,894 pilgrims to Flynas, 9,145 to Air Peace, 23,342 to Max Air, and 15,893 to Umza Air.

Flynas, which operates in Nigeria under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has played a key role in stabilizing airlift operations for Nigerian pilgrims while expanding the capacity of its workforce.

By Uzair Adam

The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting committee announced on Friday evening.

The Daily Reality reports that with this confirmation, the holy month will commence on Saturday, March 1.

Observatories across the Kingdom, including those in Sudair and Tumair, confirmed the sighting of the moon.

This follows an earlier call by the Supreme Court on Thursday, urging Muslims to look for the crescent on Friday evening.

The court advised anyone who sights the moon, whether with the naked eye or binoculars, to report their observation to the nearest court or contact a local center for guidance on submitting their testimony.

Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee routinely monitors the skies ahead of Ramadan’s expected start date and encourages other Muslims to participate in the sighting process.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a strategic agreement to enhance their participation in the global halal economy, valued at $7.7 trillion. The deal focuses on boosting halal trade, investment, and certification, fostering economic cooperation between the two nations.

Signed during high-level meetings, the agreement positions Nigeria as a key player in halal industries, including food, finance, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Saudi Arabia, a dominant force in the sector, will provide expertise and market access to support Nigeria’s expansion.

Officials believe the partnership will create jobs, enhance exports, and attract foreign investment, positioning Nigeria as a leading halal market in Africa.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

In a recent press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial plan for the United States to assume control over the Gaza Strip.

The proposal includes relocating Gaza’s roughly two million Palestinian residents to neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan to transform the territory into a thriving economic hub, potentially named the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Trump emphasised the economic potential of the initiative, arguing that U.S. oversight would bring stability and prosperity to the region. He also suggested the possible deployment of American forces to maintain order during the transition.

The plan has been widely condemned. Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, have rejected it, warning of its implications for international law and regional security. 

Human rights organisations have also strongly criticised the initiative, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing that could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was present at the press conference, expressed support for the plan, saying it aligns with Israel’s security interests. However, international opposition and legal challenges may hinder the proposal’s feasibility.

As the debate over Trump’s plan intensifies, world leaders and analysts continue to scrutinise its potential consequences for regional stability and the rights of the Palestinian people.

 By Anas Abbas 

The Jigawa State Government has collaborated with the Alfurqan Qur’anic Foundation, a Saudi Arabian-based Islamic organisation, to improve the Tsangaya Qur’anic education system. 

A delegation from the Foundation, led by Chairman Sheikh Abdalla Ibn Nasir Al-Utaibiy, met with Governor Mallam Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse on Friday to establish a collaborative relationship. 

The partnership aims to modernise the teaching of the Qur’an by employing new techniques to facilitate quick comprehension and memorization, particularly for the deaf and young children. 

Governor Namadi expressed his gratitude for the visit and the relationship being established, noting the significance of the Holy Qur’an.

The method will aid the deaf and young children in Jigawa State’s people. The state government has committed to prioritising Qur’anic education, with plans to integrate Islamic and Western education, as well as provide training in crafts and skills. 

Notable achievements include the establishment of three mega-Tsangaya schools, one in each senatorial district, and the creation of a special agency, the Tsangaya Board, to regulate and upgrade traditional Qur’anic education methods. 

This partnership is expected to transform and modernise the approach to Qur’anic education in Jigawa State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Media reports from Iran and Saudi Arabia stated that the leaders of the two countries discussed the issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a telephone conversation for the first time since the restoration of diplomatic relations between them. 

They said that President Ebrahim Raisi and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman discussed the need to end what Raisi described as war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. 

The Saudi Press Agency said that Riyadh emphasized its support for the Palestinians and the need to overcome the situation through diplomatic means. 

The Saudi prince confirmed that the Kingdom is doing its best to negotiate with international and Middle Eastern countries to stop this raging war, as quoted by the Saudi Press Agency. 

The company reported that the Prince stressed that Saudi Arabia rejects any plans to attack civilians anywhere. 

The United Nations says 340,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as Israel continues its offensive in response to Saturday’s attack by Hamas. 

Israel has prevented people from leaving anywhere, although some residents have managed to cross from Gaza Strip. 

However, countries and organizations continue to call for the creation of conditions for aid in Gaza and for refugees to leave. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu

In a significant development in the world of football transfers, it has been confirmed that Sadio Mane’s agent, Roof Björn Bezemer, is set to embark on a trip to Japan to negotiate terms with Al Nassr.

The Saudi Arabian club has expressed keen interest in acquiring the talented winger from Bayern.

Last week, Sadio Mane gave his initial approval for negotiations with Al Nassr, signalling his willingness to consider a potential move to the Middle Eastern club.

However, it’s worth noting that Mane had expressed his desire to stay at Bayern Munich and was adamant about remaining with the team.

Despite the player’s stance, Bayern Munich has decided to part ways with Mane, making it evident that they are open to his departure.

This development has provided Al Nassr with a glimmer of hope to secure the services of the highly regarded footballer.

Roof Björn Bezemer, the intermediary representing Sadio Mane, is now entrusted with the task of sitting down with Al Nassr officials to discuss the terms of the potential deal.

The negotiations are expected to be crucial in determining whether the transfer will come to fruition.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Jordan Henderson, the Liverpool midfield maestro, has successfully passed his medical examinations as the newest player for Al Ettifaq Football Club. 

The eagerly anticipated news has now been confirmed, signalling an imminent transfer that is set to shake up the football world. 

After weeks of speculation and negotiations, both clubs have reached a contractual agreement. 

Liverpool has agreed to a £12 million fixed fee for the transfer, with additional add-ons included in the deal. 

Jordan Henderson’s impending move to Al Ettifaq has been the subject of intense media attention, with fans on the edge of their seats as they await the official announcement.