Niger begins Hajj airlift as 345 pilgrims fly out to Madinah

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The first batch of 345 intending pilgrims from Niger has departed via the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, late Monday night for Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Flynas Airline took off at about 10:15 p.m. with the 345 pilgrims on board.

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The group comprised 227 males and 118 females from Chanchaga and Borgu Local Government Areas.

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Addressing the pilgrims before departure, Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago urged them to be good ambassadors of the state.

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He advised them “not to accept items from strangers and to safeguard their belongings.”

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The governor also “encouraged them to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to pray for peace in Nigeria, Niger, and their families while in the Holy Land.”

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He prayed for their safe journey and a successful Hajj.

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Also speaking, the 2026 Niger Amirul Hajj and Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations.

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He enjoined the pilgrims to “obey Saudi Arabian laws throughout their stay.”

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Some pilgrims who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria expressed excitement at being part of the 2026 Hajj.

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They commended Hajj officials for “the arrangements and promised to pray for an end to insecurity and other challenges facing the nation and Niger in particular.”

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NAN gathered that Niger has 2,281 intending pilgrims for 2026, to be airlifted in six scheduled flights. (NAN)

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