Over 2,000 Nigerian pilgrims depart Madinah for Makkah
By Habeebat Ajayi from Medina No fewer than 2,250 Nigerian pilgrims have departed Medina for Mecca in about 50 buses as the 2026 Hajj exercise gradually enters its second phase. The movement involved pilgrims from Kebbi, Jigawa, Gombe and Nasarawa states who had earlier completed their four-day stay in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah for […]
By Habeebat Ajayi from Medina
No fewer than 2,250 Nigerian pilgrims have departed Medina for Mecca in about 50 buses as the 2026 Hajj exercise gradually enters its second phase.
The movement involved pilgrims from Kebbi, Jigawa, Gombe and Nasarawa states who had earlier completed their four-day stay in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah for the commencement of core Hajj rites.
Breakdown of the pilgrims conveyed showed that 427 pilgrims were from Kebbi State, 475 from Jigawa, 411 from Gombe, 554 from Nasarawa and another 383 pilgrims from Jigawa State.
The first batch departed on Thursday morning, while the second contingent was scheduled to continue the movement on Friday evening.
Before heading to Makkah, the pilgrims first stopped at Dhul Hulaifah Miqat, popularly known as Miqat, where they entered into the sacred state of Ihram and observed necessary rites before continuing the journey.
Before their departure, many of the pilgrims were seen observing farewell prayers and visiting the revered Rawdah inside the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
Emotional scenes also played out as pilgrims boarded buses arranged to transport them to Makkah, with many offering prayers for a successful Hajj exercise and safe return to Nigeria.
The movement marks a significant stage in the pilgrimage as the pilgrims prepare for the main Hajj rituals expected to take place in the coming days in the holy city of Makkah.