The last batch of 149 Zamfara Pilgrims and 28 Officials have left Jeddah, Saudi Arabia today, June 23, in MaxAir flight VM2014, bringing to a close, this year’s Muslim Hajj operations, undertaken by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
In all, a total of 38,052 pilgrims were airlifted in 97 flights within two weeks.
In a statement today, NAHCON expressed gratitude to Allah for granting a successful conclusion to the exercise and for preserving the lives of pilgrims and officials throughout the Hajj season.
“With the completion of the airlift, thousands of Nigerian pilgrims have been reunited with their families after fulfilling one of the most important obligations of their faith. We pray that their acts of worship are accepted, their supplications answered and that they continue to embody the values and lessons of Hajj in their daily lives.
“The Commission acknowledges the cooperation and support received from all stakeholders, including the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, approved airlines, aviation authorities, security agencies, healthcare teams, service providers and our partners in both Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their professionalism and commitment played a significant role in the successful execution of the operation.”
NAHCON pledged its commitment to evaluating the just concluded operations and to build on the experiences gained to the further enhance future operations.
Full text of the NAHCON ‘s statement is reproduced hereunder:
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, with the final flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State expected to arrive in Nigeria today 23rd, June 2026.
The completion of the return leg brings to a close the 2026 Hajj operations, marking the end of a major national exercise that involved the successful airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to and from the Holy Land.
The Commission, however, disclosed that 12 Nigerian pilgrims are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia for various health conditions. NAHCON is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria as soon as they are discharged from the hospitals.
The NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf expresses gratitude to Almighty Allah for the overall success of the 2026 Hajj exercise and appreciates the tremendous support and dedication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and his able Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima GCON for the unflinching support they rendered towards the success of the operation. NAHCON also appreciates the cooperation and hard work of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed Tour Operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, the media and, most importantly, Nigerian pilgrims.
The Commission acknowledges that, as with every major operation of this scale, there were challenges encountered in the course of the exercise. Nonetheless, valuable lessons have been drawn and these will be applied toward improving subsequent Hajj operations.
Meanwhile, in line with the Commission’s commitment to continuous improvement and early planning, NAHCON has already formally commenced preparations for the 1448H/2027 Hajj exercise. This was conveyed to all Hajj managers in Nigeria through a circular dated 15 June 2026 and titled “Commencement of Preparations for 1448H/2027 Hajj Season,” signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali for NAHCON Chairman/CEO.
Consequently, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions and licensed Private Tour Operators are directed to commence preparatory activities immediately in strict compliance with the official preparation document for the 1448H/2027 Hajj season as received from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,
NAHCON Management
