Niger Wraps Up 2026 Hajj Return Airlift as Last Batch Depart Jeddah
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has concluded its 2026 Hajj return operations as the last batch of pilgrims departed Jeddah to Minna, bringing the airlift exercise to a successful close.
The final batch comprises 270 pilgrims, including remaining pilgrims from various local government areas, Area Pilgrims Welfare Officers (APWOs), members of the Board, management officials, the Chairman of the Board, and the Executive Secretary.
The departure marks the completion of the transportation of all Niger State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, described the operation as smooth, successful, and well-coordinated. He commended the pilgrims for their patience, discipline, and cooperation throughout the pilgrimage and return exercise.
According to him, the orderly conduct of the pilgrims contributed significantly to the success recorded during the Hajj operations and reflected positively on Niger State throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
Sheikh Aliyu expressed appreciation to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his unwavering support toward the welfare of pilgrims and for providing the enabling environment that facilitated the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Amirul Hajj for the state, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, the Emir of Agaie, whose leadership and guidance, he said, played a vital role in ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage.
The Executive Secretary further thanked the Chairman of the Board, Board members, management and staff, APWOs, and other stakeholders for their commitment and tireless efforts in ensuring seamless operations from departure to return.
With the departure of the final batch, the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has successfully completed all arrangements for the return of the state’s pilgrims from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
