NAHCON Commences Return of Nigerian Pilgrims, 1,310 Airlifted

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially started the return journey of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with 1,310 individuals already transported back home.

According to figures released by NAHCON’s Principal Information Officer, Shafii Mohammed, four separate return flights have been completed by Nigerian Hajj carriers.

Providing details of the operations, Mohammed stated that MaxAir flight VM269 left Jeddah for Bauchi at 8:07 a.m., carrying 551 pilgrims and seven officials. Flynas flight XY9006 departed for Kebbi at 9:45 a.m., transporting 413 pilgrims along with six officials. 

Another flight, UMZA UY3534, took off at 1:12 p.m. to Abuja with 41 pilgrims and 122 officials. 

Later in the day, Air Peace flight APK7901 flew 305 pilgrims and seven officials to Owerri at 11:45 p.m.

This year, approximately 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims took part in the 2025 Hajj exercise.