An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Abdulkadir Mayos, has returned $505 and 30 Saudi Riyals in lost Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) to an intending pilgrim in Yola.

BTA is a foreign currency allowance given to pilgrims to cover personal expenses such as meals, transportation, and shopping outside of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)’s contractual arrangements.

Officials of NAHCON traced the rightful owner, Maimuna Salihu, a pilgrim from Taraba State, to the Yola Pilgrims’ Camp.

The funds were returned to her amidst cheers from fellow pilgrims and commendations from officials, including the Director of Planning from Taraba and the NAHCON liaison officer.

Meanwhile, 411 pilgrims from Yobe State were airlifted from the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State, via Umza Aviation Services. This included the final batch of 73 pilgrims from Adamawa State.

The Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, and the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, witnessed the airlift.

Dr. Ali urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves as good ambassadors of Nigeria and to strictly obey the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“You should avoid any actions that could tarnish your image or that of our country,” he warned.

He also encouraged the pilgrims to pray for peace, security, and prosperity in Nigeria and for its leaders as they embark on their spiritual journey.