The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced the successful conclusion of the return airlift of more than 38,000 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Commission confirmed that the final flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State was expected to land in Nigeria on Tuesday, officially marking the end of the return operations.
Speaking in a statement by NAHCON’s spokesperson, Hajia Fatimah Usara, the Commission said the completion of the airlift signified the close of a major national assignment involving the movement of pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia.
“This completion of the return leg brings to a close the 2026 Hajj operations, which successfully involved the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims both to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she said.
Usara, however, disclosed that 12 Nigerian pilgrims were still receiving medical attention in various hospitals in Saudi Arabia due to health-related conditions.
“NAHCON is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to ensure their safe return to Nigeria immediately after they are discharged,” she added.
She noted that the Commission had begun early preparations for the 2027 Hajj exercise, in line with its commitment to improved service delivery.
“Consequently, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators are directed to commence preparatory activities immediately in accordance with the official guidelines from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” she stated.
Usara also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the operation, including state pilgrims’ welfare boards, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security agencies, the media, and Nigerian pilgrims.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Abdullahi Saleh Usman, thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support, describing the 2026 operation as largely successful despite operational challenges.
He added that lessons from the exercise would be used to improve future Hajj operations.
