2026 Hajj: First Batch of Kano Pilgrims Arrives Safely in Madina
The first batch of Kano State pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise has arrived safely in the holy city of Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following a successful inaugural airlift operation from Nigeria.
The pilgrims departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport aboard a MaxAir flight on Thursday night and landed safely at Madina Airport at exactly 7:35 a.m. Nigerian time on Friday.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sulaiman A. Dederi.
According to the statement, a total of 558 pilgrims were transported in the first flight, including 333 male and 225 female pilgrims.
The statement explained that the pilgrims were drawn from four Local Government Areas of Kano State namely Dala, Gwale, Ungogo and Fagge.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful journey and commended the efforts of officials and stakeholders who contributed to the smooth coordination of the airlift operation.
The board also prayed for a successful Hajj exercise and urged the pilgrims to remain peaceful, law-abiding and worthy ambassadors of Kano State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
It further advised the pilgrims to obey the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in Kano State and the country at large during the pilgrimage.
The airlift of Kano pilgrims is expected to continue in batches over the coming days as authorities intensify preparations for the successful participation of all intending pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj exercise.