Sokoto Prepares 220 Pilgrims for Second Homebound Flight
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has finalized arrangements for the return of 220 pilgrims scheduled to travel on the state’s second inbound flight from Saudi Arabia following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Information and Communications, Faruku Umar, the pilgrims have been directed to perform the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’) after the Fajr prayer on Monday, June 15, as part of preparations for their departure from Makkah.
The agency said the pilgrims will proceed to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah after completing the final Hajj rite before boarding their flight back to Nigeria.
According to the statement, the flight will be operated jointly with pilgrims from Bauchi State as authorities continue the coordinated return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Umar explained that the Sokoto contingent comprises pilgrims from Gwadabawa and Illela Local Government Areas (LGAs), the remaining pilgrims from Wurno LGA, as well as some pilgrims and officials attached to the Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) and the Sokoto Government Office (SGO).
He urged all affected pilgrims to verify their names on the flight manifest to facilitate a smooth departure process and avoid any delays during airport procedures.
The Farewell Tawaf, performed before leaving Makkah, marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage and serves as a final act of worship before pilgrims begin their journey home.
Officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have continued to coordinate logistics and provide guidance to ensure an orderly movement of pilgrims from their accommodation to the airport.
The second homebound flight forms part of the ongoing efforts to return Nigerian pilgrims safely and efficiently after the annual pilgrimage.
The agency also prayed for Allah’s protection throughout the journey and expressed hope that all pilgrims would reunite safely with their families and communities in Nigeria.
