Nigeria's hajj commission has wrapped up flights bringing pilgrims home from Saudi Arabia after this year's pilgrimage exercise. Over 38,000 worshippers were transported to and from the holy land during the 2026 operation.
The final aircraft carrying Zamfara State pilgrims touched down on Tuesday, NAHCON's spokesperson said. This marked the official end of the return airlift phase.
Hajiya Fatima Usara confirmed the successful conclusion in a statement released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. She credited extensive coordination between multiple agencies for the achievement.
Aviation partners, state welfare boards, tour operators, medical teams, and security agencies all played crucial roles. Service providers rounded out the network of stakeholders involved.
However, 12 Nigerian pilgrims remain hospitalized in Saudi Arabia receiving treatment. They're battling various health conditions contracted during their journey.
NAHCON is closely tracking their cases, Usara noted. The commission will arrange their transport home once doctors discharge them.
"We appreciate the cooperation and hard work of everyone involved," she told reporters. State boards, operators, service providers, aviation partners, medics, security and the media all deserved thanks.
Nigerian pilgrims themselves earned special recognition for their patience and conduct. The operation faced some difficulties along the way.
But officials said valuable lessons were learned during the exercise. These insights will strengthen future hajj operations, they added.
NAHCON is already moving ahead with 2027 planning efforts. Early preparation is a key priority for the commission.
A circular dated June 15 went out to hajj managers nationwide. State welfare boards and licensed tour operators must begin immediate preparations.
Guidelines from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah must be followed strictly. All agencies received detailed compliance instructions.
Questions have surfaced about differences between outbound and return flight numbers. Usara provided clarity on the apparent discrepancy.
Some pilgrims leave Saudi Arabia on commercial flights right after Hajj, she explained. Work obligations and personal matters force these early departures.
NAHCON operates on a first-come, first-out basis, according to her. Pilgrims either wait their turn or arrange private transport without disrupting others.
This pattern repeats annually without fail. It's a routine part of hajj management.
Staff members weren't included in the pilgrim airlift count, Usara clarified. Several NAHCON personnel stayed behind to handle post-hajj work.
Reconciliation, auditing, and administrative tasks require their attention. These duties can only proceed after pilgrims depart.
Detailed statistics broken down by state will arrive later. Tour operators and welfare boards must submit their reports first.
NAHCON Chairman Ambassador Abdullahi Ismail Yusuf praised Allah for the successful 2026 exercise. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the blessing.
