Niger airlifts first batch of 345 intending pilgrims 

Niger State has airlifted the first batch of 345 intending pilgrims  from the state for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The airlifting was conducted Monday night through the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna. Flynas Airline took off at about 10:15pm with the 345 pilgrims on board. The intending pilgrims comprised 227 males and 118 females […]

Niger airlifts first batch of 345 intending pilgrims 

A picture taken on July 29, 2020 shows pilgrims circumambulating around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, at the centre of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, ahead of the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage. – Mask-clad Muslim pilgrims began the annual hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage. The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, is usually one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. (Photo by STR / AFP)

Niger State has airlifted the first batch of 345 intending pilgrims  from the state for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The airlifting was conducted Monday night through the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna.

Flynas Airline took off at about 10:15pm with the 345 pilgrims on board.

The intending pilgrims comprised 227 males and 118 females from Chanchaga and Borgu LGA.

Bidding the intending pilgrims farewell, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru-Bago, urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country.

He also advised them not to receive items from strangers for safekeeping and asked them to keep their personal belongings secure at all times.

Addressing the intending pilgrims, the State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, said he was satisfied with the level of preparation for the exercise.

He enjoined the intending pilgrims to obey the Saudi Arabian laws as well as rules and regulations guiding the hajj rites throughout their stay in the Holy Land.