Hajj: 1,905 Nigerian pilgrims return home from Saudi Arabia

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the safe return of 1,905 Nigerian pilgrims and officials from Saudi Arabia following the completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The inbound airlift operations began on June 3, shortly after pilgrims concluded the main Hajj rites in Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

According to data from the NAHCON Command and Control Centre, the first return flight, MaxAir flight NGL267, departed Jeddah for Abuja on June 3 at 9:27 a.m., conveying 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State.

SPONSOR AD

On June 4, Flynas flight XY9866 left Jeddah for Kebbi at 5:53 am with 426 pilgrims on board.

Later the same day, MaxAir flight NGL263 departed Jeddah for Abuja at 10:54 am with 560 passengers, including 559 pilgrims from Nasarawa and one pilgrim from Katsina State.

Also on June 4, Flynas flight XY9484 flew from Jeddah to Gateway International Airport, Iperu, Ogun State, at 3:54 pm, carrying 345 Ogun State pilgrims.

The fifth flight, UMZA flight UY3546, departed Jeddah for Abuja at 8:10 pm, transporting 14 pilgrims and 18 officials.

The passengers included three pilgrims from Bauchi State and 11 from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside Hajj officials.

With these five flights completed, a total of 1,905 pilgrims and officials have so far been airlifted back to Nigeria, while the inbound operation has recorded five successful return trips.

NAHCON said the return process is part of its coordinated logistics plan to ensure the smooth and orderly repatriation of Nigerian pilgrims after the annual pilgrimage.

The commission had earlier assured pilgrims and their families of a safe and seamless return, adding that adequate arrangements had been put in place for the exercise.

UPDATE NEWS:

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.