Third Batch of 428 Niger Pilgrims Departs Jeddah for Minna
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The third batch of Niger State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj has departed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Nigeria as the return airlift of pilgrims continues to progress smoothly.
The group, comprising 428 pilgrims, left King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Tuesday aboard a homebound flight to Minna following the successful completion of this year’s pilgrimage.
Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Jibrin Usman Kodo, said the 428 pilgrims came from Kontagora, Mashegu, Shiroro, Mariga, Chanchaga, Borgu and Lapai Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The aircraft departed Jeddah at approximately 10:21 a.m. Saudi Arabian time, equivalent to 8:21 a.m. Nigerian time, and was scheduled to arrive at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, at about 4:05 p.m. Saudi time, corresponding to 2:05 p.m. Nigerian time.
According to Kodo, the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, monitored the departure process at the Jeddah airport and expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct displayed by the pilgrims throughout the exercise.
He commended the smooth coordination of the return operation, noting that the airlift exercise has continued to record significant success due to the cooperation of pilgrims and adherence to established travel guidelines and schedules.
Aliyu also assured intending returnees and their families that the board had put adequate measures in place to ensure the timely movement of the remaining batches of pilgrims.
He said the welfare, safety and comfort of the pilgrims remain top priorities throughout the return journey.
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring that all Niger State pilgrims are safely and efficiently transported back to their respective destinations.
