The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that more than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims have already arrived in Madinah for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Officials of the commission in Saudi Arabia confirmed that the pilgrims were airlifted since the commencement of operations on Sunday.
A total of 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims were approved by Saudi authorities for this year’s pilgrimage.
The pilgrims are expected to spend about four days in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah for the next phase of the spiritual journey.
According to NAHCON updates, the first flight departed on Sunday with UMZA Airlines flight UMZ3501, conveying 473 pilgrims from Kogi State, made up of 296 males and 177 females.
This was followed by a Flynas flight carrying 418 pilgrims from Kebbi State, consisting of 259 males and 159 females.
A Max Air flight also transported 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State, including 381 males and 179 females.
On Monday, an Air Peace flight flew 315 pilgrims from Oyo State from Lagos to Madinah, with 155 males and 160 females on board.
Another Flynas operation moved 427 pilgrims from Kebbi State, along with two officials, while an UMZA flight from Dutse carried 480 pilgrims from Jigawa State.
A separate Max Air flight conveyed 411 pilgrims from Gombe State.
Subsequent operations also saw the movement of additional pilgrims from several states, including Nasarawa, Jigawa, Osun, Kebbi, Kwara, and Plateau, all successfully transported to Madinah.
NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismaila Yusuf, had earlier assured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and smooth movement of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise.
He also advised pilgrims to maintain discipline and humility while in the Holy Land.
Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the pilgrims to uphold Nigeria’s image by exhibiting good conduct during the pilgrimage.
He described them as national ambassadors who must reflect discipline, patience, and integrity while complying with the laws of the host country.
Shettima further noted that pilgrimage places a moral responsibility on government institutions to guarantee the safety, dignity, and comfort of all participants.
He assured that government agencies would continue to work to ensure a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
The 2026 Hajj airlift is expected to continue until all approved contingents are transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.