Niger begins Hajj airlift as 345 pilgrims fly out to Madinah

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.

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

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

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

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

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.”

He prayed for their safe journey and a successful Hajj.

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

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

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

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.”

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