Three Nigerian pilgrims have reportedly lost their money and other valuables to suspected thieves during the ongoing 2026 Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia. The incidents have drawn sympathy and mixed reactions from Nigerians following the reports.
Victims Share Their Ordeals
One of the victims, Baba Katanga from Katanga village in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa state, disclosed that he lost 400 US dollars. The incident occurred when he boarded a taxi from Masjidil Haram to his hotel, Mahabbat Al Akhawin Hotel, in Makkah. According to Daily Trust, the taxi driver allegedly took advantage of the moment when Katanga was inspecting his Nusuk card and stole the money.
In a separate incident, another Nigerian pilgrim from Jahun Local Government Area of the same state, whose name was not disclosed, lost his dollars to another suspected taxi driver under similar circumstances.
Female Pilgrim Loses Handbag with Phones and Cash
A female pilgrim from Jigawa, referred to as Hajia, lost her handbag containing two mobile phones and cash intended to sustain her throughout the religious rite. The theft reportedly occurred at Miqat in Madinah, where intending pilgrims perform ablution, put on their Ihram, and make their intention (Niyyah) for Umrah before proceeding to Makkah. Sources disclosed that Hajia left the bag unattended for only about two minutes before discovering it was missing.
Nigerians React to the Incidents
The reports have sparked various reactions online. Callistus Cally Bunke Nwabuikwu urged Nigerians to remain vigilant: "Be conscious wherever you are, the person beside you might not have the kind of heart you have."
Hassan Nakudu expressed optimism that the stolen items would be recovered within two days: "Wait, from now to two days, the stolen items will be recovered, insha Allah. There is no thief in the holy land; it is either the owners lost them or forgot them somewhere."
Muhammad Fatihu Tijjani decried the situation: "Wallahi, we do not like this kind of story at all. Hajj is a sacred journey, and hearing such reports is heartbreaking. May Allah protect all pilgrims and return their lost valuables with ease."
Nura Ali Dandawaki advised the victims to visit lost and found centres: "Kindly advise the three persons to go to any of the lost and found centres; they will get them back, insha Allah."
Taiwo Akinwande noted that such incidents are not new: "That is not new to Nigerians participating in the yearly Hajj tourist exercise to Saudi Arabia. Okonlomo from Yoruba Nigeria, whose phone was stolen in front of Kabba while praising Allah, which I believe is part of the Sunnah of Islam, it is normal in the holy land."
Background: Shettima Criticises NAHCON Chairman
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that Vice President Kashim Shettima accused the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, of acting as a sole administrator. Shettima, in a letter, warned the NAHCON chairman against alleged violations of procurement processes, sidelining of commission members, gross misconduct, and illegal appointment of aides. President Bola Tinubu had appointed Professor Saleh-Usman in August 2024, replacing former chairman Jalal Arabi.
