27,293 Nigerians airlifted for 2026 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 27,293 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The commission disclosed this in data released on Thursday, noting that the 67th flight departed at about 3:48 pm yesterday with 345 pilgrims from Niger State. With Nigeria […]

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 27,293 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The commission disclosed this in data released on Thursday, noting that the 67th flight departed at about 3:48 pm yesterday with 345 pilgrims from Niger State.

With Nigeria allocated 50,000 Hajj slots this year, more than half of the intending pilgrims have now been transported to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Kano and Kaduna state governments have warned intending pilgrims against travelling with prohibited items, especially kolanut.

The Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim-Matawalle, said the restriction was part of directives issued by Saudi authorities to ensure safety and smooth Hajj operations.

Similarly, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, cautioned pilgrims against accepting packages from strangers at airports, warning that such items could contain prohibited substances.

Speaking during Kaduna State’s inaugural Hajj flight, the emir also advised pilgrims to avoid carrying unnecessary items.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, urged pilgrims to remain law-abiding and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of Kaduna State and Nigeria.

Also, Islamic cleric Nura Khalid urged pilgrims in Makkah to exercise patience with Hajj officials, stressing that the exercise requires endurance, especially while in ihram.