344 Lagos Pilgrims Return as Officials Hail Hajj Success
By Abdulmumin Aliu
The first batch of 344 Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise has safely returned to Nigeria from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims arrived in Lagos on Monday aboard Flynas flight XY9492, which departed Jeddah and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at approximately 7:37 p.m. Nigerian time.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Affairs Officer of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Taofeek Lawal.
Leading the contingent on the inaugural return flight, the Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Committee, Prof. Kabir Paramole, expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the pilgrimage and the safe return of the pilgrims.
According to him, the spiritual benefits and experiences gained during the Hajj exercise were invaluable. He also prayed for the safety of other Lagos pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted back to Nigeria.
Officials disclosed that the return operation would continue with a second flight carrying 345 pilgrims scheduled to depart Makkah on Wednesday, June 10, while the final batch is expected to return on June 13, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Medical Team Lead for the Lagos contingent, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, commended the overall health condition of the pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage, describing the medical record of the exercise as impressive and encouraging.
Dr. Erinosho explained that comprehensive medical screening exercises were conducted for about 1,600 intending pilgrims before departure to Saudi Arabia.
The screenings included blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and Hepatitis B.
She added that pregnancy tests were also conducted for women of reproductive age between April 30 and May 1, 2026, in line with health requirements stipulated by Saudi Arabian authorities.
According to her, pilgrims with existing health challenges were identified early and closely monitored to ensure they were medically fit for the pilgrimage.
The medical team also embarked on extensive health education campaigns across the 20 local government areas of Lagos State, sensitizing pilgrims on the importance of hydration, adherence to prescribed medications, and the regular use of face masks.
Dr. Erinosho further noted that the team worked closely with Ports Health Services to ensure all pilgrims received the required vaccinations before departure.
During the pilgrims’ stay in Madinah, Makkah, and Mina, she said the Lagos medical team collaborated with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) medical personnel to provide emergency care, clinic consultations, and referrals to Saudi hospitals where necessary.
She added that patients who required further attention were monitored until discharge and continued to receive personalized care in their accommodation facilities.
The medical team also maintained access to medications and consultations for pilgrims from their return from Mina until their departure from Saudi Arabia, a measure she said significantly reduced health-related challenges during the exercise.
