The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the first group of pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia will begin their return journey to Nigeria on Sunday, with their arrival scheduled for Ilorin.
According to the Board, a total of 560 pilgrims are expected to arrive at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, aboard a MaxAir flight.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Ilorin by the board’s Press Secretary, Jumoke Jimoh.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, confirmed that arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth reception of the returning pilgrims.
“A total of 560 pilgrims will be transported by MaxAir and are expected to land at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, tomorrow, Sunday, June 7, 2026,” he said.
He added that the return of pilgrims would be carried out in phases to ensure proper coordination and ease of logistics.
“The second batch of pilgrims will arrive on Tuesday, while the third batch is scheduled to return on Friday, and the last batch is expected on Sunday, June 14, 2026,” Abdulkadir explained.
He further assured that all pilgrims from the state were in good health and high spirits following the completion of the religious exercise in Saudi Arabia.
“All Kwara pilgrims are in good health and high spirits. We thank Almighty Allah for granting us a successful Hajj exercise this year,” he said.
The Chairman of the Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, also commended the state government for its support, noting that it contributed significantly to the success of the pilgrimage operations.
“We appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support and commitment, which contributed immensely to the smooth and successful Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He added that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure a seamless reception process for the returning pilgrims as families await their arrival in Ilorin.
