NIGERIA (Kaduna)- The Independent Hajj Reporters which is a civic society organisation, has pleaded that Nigerian government should intervene in the matter of detained Nigerians in various prisons across Saudi Arabia.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar  yesterday in Kaduna, the group revealed that over 189 Nigerians are in various prisons in Saudi Arabia.

They added that in view of the number of pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia, both countries should find means of strengthening their bilateral ties.

“We urge federal government to use its diplomatic links with Saudi Arabia government in respect of 189 Nigerians currently serving jail terms in Saudi Arabian prisons for various offences as recently disclosed by Saudi Arabia Envoy to Nigeria, Foaud Abdulaziz Rajeh.”

The group also said that the recent deportation of illegal expatriates by the Saudi Arabian authorities has left more than 526 Nigerians in prisons, even as some African countries have since intervened for their citizens.

While acknowledging the offences committed by the detained Nigerians, it urges that the Federal Government should make use of diplomatic channels in securing their release soon.