The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, successfully transporting over 40,000 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within 18 days.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission said the operation, which began on May 3, officially ended on May 21 with the final Max Air flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State from Gusau International Airport to Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON disclosed that a total of 98 outbound flights were operated during the exercise, averaging about five flights daily.

According to the commission, 40,250 pilgrims who secured visas through the agency were successfully airlifted for the annual pilgrimage.

It added that a detailed breakdown of the pilgrims and flight operations would be released later.

The commission described the exercise as orderly, peaceful and successful, attributing the achievement to the cooperation among key stakeholders involved in the operation.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the efforts of board members, staff, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, security agencies, operational committees and airline operators for their roles in ensuring the smooth completion of the airlift.

He also praised Nigerian pilgrims for their patience and cooperation throughout the exercise.

The commission particularly acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying their guidance contributed to the success of the operation despite prevailing global socio-political challenges.

NAHCON urged pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia to conduct themselves responsibly and comply strictly with the rules guiding Hajj operations in the kingdom.

It noted that the Hajj period requires patience, sacrifice, discipline and devotion, warning pilgrims against actions that could attract penalties or create difficulties for themselves and others.

The commission also advised pilgrims to continue cooperating with officials and Saudi authorities during the pilgrimage.

According to the statement, arrangements for Masha’ir operations, which cover the core Hajj rites performed in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, have been concluded and would be continuously monitored to ensure the comfort and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON further disclosed that preparations for the return journey of pilgrims to Nigeria were ongoing.

It said inbound flight operations are expected to begin on June 3, while details of return schedules would be communicated to pilgrims and stakeholders in due course.

The commission assured that planning for future Hajj exercises, including the 2027 pilgrimage, would commence immediately after the conclusion of the current season.

It explained that the move was part of efforts to consolidate on the successes recorded this year and improve service delivery for subsequent exercises.

The yearly Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia is one of the five pillars of Islam and attracts millions of Muslims from across the world each year.

Nigeria, through NAHCON and state pilgrims’ welfare boards, coordinates the participation of thousands of intending pilgrims yearly, including logistics, accommodation, medical support and transportation.

The commission concluded by praying for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj and their safe return to Nigeria after the completion of the spiritual exercise.