…says 12 pilgrims hospitalised in Saudi Arabia
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of the 2026 hajj exercise.
A statement by the commission said the final flight, carrying pilgrims from Zamfara, is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, June 22, bringing the operation to a close.
According to the statement, 12 Nigerian pilgrims are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia for various health conditions.
The commission said it is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria as soon as they are discharged from hospital.
Ismail Yusuf, NAHCON chairman, expressed gratitude for what he described as the successful conduct of the 2026 hajj exercise.
Yusuf also commended President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for their support towards the operation’s success.
The NAHCON chairman further appreciated the contributions of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, media organisations and Nigerian pilgrims.
He acknowledged that some challenges were encountered during the exercise but noted that important lessons had been identified to improve future operations.
Meanwhile, Yusuf said the commission has formally commenced preparations for the 1448H/2027 hajj season as part of efforts to strengthen planning and service delivery.
He directed state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, to immediately begin preparatory activities.
He added that all stakeholders are expected to comply strictly with the official preparation guidelines for the 1448H/2027 hajj season issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
