Ogun Pilgrims Complete Preparations Ahead of Return Flight
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Pilgrims from Ogun State who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise have completed preparations for their return journey to Nigeria, with officials concluding the screening and processing of their luggage in Makkah.
The baggage handling exercise took place at the Taif Ajyad Hotel, where officials weighed, screened, labelled, wrapped and arranged the pilgrims’ luggage in line with airline requirements.
The exercise forms part of the final preparations for the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the completion of the Hajj rites.
Officials said the baggage handling team meticulously carried out the process to ensure compliance with baggage regulations and facilitate a smooth boarding and departure process for the pilgrims.
Images released from the exercise showed rows of properly packaged luggage awaiting loading and transportation to the airport ahead of the pilgrims’ outbound flight to Nigeria.
The development comes as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) continues the phased return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
The commission commenced the operation on June 3, with designated airlines transporting pilgrims from various states back to the country.
Ogun State pilgrims will soon join the ongoing return airlift as officials finalize arrangements for their departure.
The successful completion of the luggage screening exercise marks another key milestone in the state’s Hajj operations, bringing pilgrims a step closer to reuniting with their families after fulfilling one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.
