FACT-CHECK: No Evidence Saudi Closed Escalators Over Nigerian Umrah Challenge
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
A social media message claiming that Saudi authorities closed escalators used by pilgrims after some Nigerian Umrah performers turned them into a social media challenge has circulated widely online, but available evidence does not substantiate the claim.
The message, presented as a “gentle reminder to Nigerian Umrah pilgrims,” alleges that the actions of a few pilgrims resulted in the closure of an escalator facility, forcing worshippers to use stairs.
However, a review of available Saudi official information and credible fact-checking reports found no announcement from Saudi authorities establishing that an escalator facility was closed because of a social media challenge involving Nigerian pilgrims.
Saudi authorities have, however, repeatedly urged Umrah performers and other visitors to maintain appropriate conduct in the Two Holy Mosques.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s “Coming to Umrah?” awareness campaign specifically advises visitors to respect other people’s privacy, refrain from photography, remain calm inside the Two Holy Mosques, avoid crowding and show patience and kindness.
The ministry has also continued to issue awareness material designed to help Umrah performers conduct their rituals safely and respectfully.
Independent fact-checking has also documented the spread of fabricated Hajj-related content involving photography restrictions. AFP reported in May 2026 that claims that Saudi Arabia had banned photography and videography at holy sites were false. The image used to support that claim was AI-generated.
AFP subsequently identified another AI-generated video falsely presented as footage of pilgrims at Mount Arafat, highlighting the growing use of synthetic media in Hajj-related misinformation.
FACT-CHECK: No Evidence Saudi Closed Escalators Over Nigerian Umrah Challenge
The escalator claim is particularly difficult to reconcile with Saudi authorities’ documented investment in pilgrim-movement infrastructure.
In May 2026, Saudi authorities announced the installation of 74 escalators at key locations in Mina ahead of the Hajj season, specifically to facilitate pilgrim movement, improve safety and reduce congestion.
The Saudi Press Agency also reported that 194 escalators and elevators had been prepared at the Prophet’s Mosque ahead of the post-Hajj period to facilitate the movement of worshippers.
This does not prove that no individual escalator was temporarily closed for maintenance, safety, crowd-control or other operational reasons. Such closures do occur. For example, Saudi authorities previously suspended escalators at the Grand Mosque during preparations to deal with rainy conditions and protect visitors.
But there is currently no verified evidence that Saudi authorities closed an escalator because Nigerian pilgrims participated in a social-media challenge.
The moral message behind the viral post that pilgrims should prioritise worship, respect fellow worshippers and avoid disruptive social-media activities is consistent with official Saudi guidance.
The specific escalator narrative, however, should not be presented as an established incident without evidence from the relevant Saudi authority or credible eyewitness reporting.
For Nigerian pilgrims, the practical lesson remains straightforward: social-media content should not interfere with worship, crowd movement, privacy or the comfort and safety of fellow pilgrims.
