Hajj Flakes – 28th Dhu al-Qadah 1447 AH
By Abdullahi Yusuf
- So far, 29,606 Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully airlifted to Saudi Arabia across 73 flight operations, according to NAHCON.
- NAHCON has denied reports alleging that Adamawa pilgrims were left without accommodation in Makkah, saying the issue arose during room allocation after some pilgrims proceeded for Umrah before completion of the process.
- NAHCON medical officials also confirmed four deaths among Nigerian pilgrims, all women, largely linked to heart-related complications.
- The first batch of Zamfara pilgrims depart Gusau for Jeddah with 375 Zamfara Pilgrims at 18:51hrs.
- NAHCON has released operational and safety guidelines for the Jamaraat rites, warning pilgrims against movement between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. during Jamaraat operations, noting that violations will be monitored through surveillance systems.
- NAHCON says pilgrims must stone only Jamrat al-Aqaba on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, while 21 pebbles are required on each of the 11th and 12th days for the three Jamaraat sites.
- NAHCON and Saudi authorities have introduced stricter digital coordination for Hajj 2026, including linking flight tickets, accommodation, buses and pilgrim data to the Nusuk card system.
- NAHCON has deployed 287 medical personnel and established five licensed clinics in Saudi Arabia to cater for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
- Plateau State pilgrims have completed their stay in Madinah and safely arrived in Makkah where they have commenced Umrah ahead of the Hajj rites.
- Saudi Arabia has deployed over 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis to serve pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season.
Did you know/fun facts
11. In major emergencies affecting pilgrim travel, Saudi authorities often coordinate with embassies and Hajj missions to assist stranded pilgrims with shelter, transport, or repatriation.
12. Pilgrims from Gaza and other conflict-affected regions frequently travel through neighboring countries before reaching Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
13. At some Saudi border crossings and pilgrim departure points, officials distribute farewell gifts such as Qur’ans, dates, water, and snacks to departing pilgrims.
14. Before air travel became common, many Egyptian pilgrims journeyed by sea from Suez across the Red Sea to Jeddah for Hajj.
15. Some Sudanese pilgrims still travel by sea through the historic Suakin/Port Sudan route, preserving one of Africa’s oldest Hajj travel traditions.
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