The first batch of 344 Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has returned to Nigeria.
A statement by the Lagos state government said the pilgrims arrived in Lagos on Monday aboard Flynas flight XY9492, which departed Jeddah and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 7:37 p.m. Nigerian time.
Officials of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board received the returnees at the airport following the successful completion of the religious exercise in the Holy Land.
Speaking after the arrival, the Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Committee, Prof. Kabir Paramole, who led other officials on the first return flight, expressed happiness over the safe journey back home.
He said the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage could not be overemphasised and prayed for the safe return of other Lagos pilgrims still awaiting airlift from Saudi Arabia.
According to the schedule released by the authorities, the second batch of 345 pilgrims is expected to depart Makkah on Wednesday, June 10, while the final return flight is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Medical Team Lead, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, commended the overall health condition of the Lagos pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
She described the health situation throughout the exercise as encouraging and impressive.
Speaking on the activities of the medical team, Dr. Erinosho explained that comprehensive medical screening was carried out in January 2026 for the 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos State.
According to her, the screening included
