2026 Hajj: First set of Kwara Pilgrims arrive Nigeria

The first group of pilgrims from Kwara State who took part in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia has arrived safely in Ilorin after completing the religious pilgrimage.

A total of 560 pilgrims returned on Sunday aboard a Max Air flight, which touched down at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin at about 12:23 p.m. Three officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria also arrived on the same flight.

The arrival was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Mrs. Jumoke Jimoh.

According to the statement, the pilgrims completed the Hajj rites successfully before returning to Nigeria. The board expressed appreciation for the safe journey and successful completion of the exercise by the pilgrims.

Speaking shortly after their arrival, the pilgrims expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting them a successful and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage.

The Mufashir Agba of Ilorin, Alhaji Uthman Iyanda-Muhammad, popularly known as Sannu-Sheu, described this year’s Hajj exercise as exceptional and commended the efforts of the Kwara State Government toward the welfare of pilgrims.

He said, “This year’s Hajj was exceptional. The provision of local meals for pilgrims was a commendable initiative that made the exercise more convenient and memorable for many of us.”

Also speaking, one of the pilgrims, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Naallah Pako, praised the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board for the arrangements put in place throughout the pilgrimage.

“The accommodation, feeding, and transportation arrangements were seamless. We appreciate the Board for ensuring that pilgrims were well taken care of during the exercise,” Pako stated.

A female pilgrim, Alhaja Saka Rasheedat, also expressed appreciation to the state government for ensuring a successful and hitch-free Hajj operation, while family members, friends, and well-wishers who gathered at the airport celebrated the safe return of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board said the second batch of pilgrims is expected to arrive on Tuesday, assuring that all necessary arrangements have been concluded to ensure their smooth reception and return home.

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