1,600 Lagos Pilgrims Return Home Safely After 2026 Hajj in Makkah

A total of 1,600 Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise have returned safely to Nigeria from Makkah, Saudi Arabia, marking the successful completion of their pilgrimage.

The pilgrims were airlifted back home in batches after completing the annual Islamic religious rites, with officials confirming that all logistics for their return were properly coordinated to ensure a smooth and safe process.

According to the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board, the return operation reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, safety, and comfort of pilgrims before, during, and after the holy journey.

Officials also noted that the pilgrims were successfully transported back without any major incidents, adding that arrangements were made in collaboration with relevant aviation and religious authorities.

The 1,600 Lagos pilgrims form part of Nigeria’s wider participation in the 2026 Hajj exercise, which saw thousands of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.

Authorities have continued to commend the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage operations, describing it as a result of improved planning, coordination, and support from both Nigerian and Saudi officials.

The return of the pilgrims is expected to continue in phases until all Nigerian contingents are safely back in the country.