The first batch of 344 Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has returned safely to Nigeria.
Their arrival signals the commencement of the phased return of Lagos contingents after the successful completion of the pilgrimage rites in the Holy Land.
The return process is being conducted in batches to ensure smooth coordination of logistics, safety, and proper handling of pilgrims as they are airlifted back to Nigeria.
According to the airlift schedule, the next batch of 345 pilgrims is expected to depart Makkah on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, with the final return flight scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, bringing the exercise to a close.
The pilgrims arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, yesterday at 7:37 p.m. Nigerian time aboard Flynas flight XY9492 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the commencement of the return airlift exercise for Lagos contingents.
Speaking after the arrival, Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Committee, Kabir Paramole, who accompanied the pilgrims alongside other officials, expressed gratitude for their safe return.
He described the pilgrimage as a spiritually fulfilling experience and prayed for the safe return of the remaining pilgrims scheduled for airlift in subsequent flights.
The Medical Team Lead, Mazeedat Erinosho, also confirmed that the pilgrims maintained a commendable health status throughout the exercise. She noted that the overall medical condition of participants was encouraging from departure through their stay in the Holy Land.
Erinosho explained that all intending pilgrims had undergone comprehensive pre-Hajj medical screening in January 2026, covering blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and Hepatitis B. Additional pregnancy tests were also conducted for female pilgrims of reproductive age in compliance with Saudi health requirements.
She added that pilgrims identified with significant health conditions were closely monitored and followed up before departure to ensure fitness for the pilgrimage.
Health education sessions were also conducted across all 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State, focusing on hydration, infection prevention, and medication adherence, in collaboration with relevant health agencies.
During the pilgrimage, the Lagos medical team, working with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) medical personnel, provided continuous healthcare services, including emergency response, clinic consultations, hospital referrals, and follow-up care in Makkah, Madinah, and Mina.
Erinosho further stated that pilgrims had access to regular medical consultations and prescribed medications throughout their stay, including upon return from Mina until departure from the Kingdom.
She attributed the smooth health outcomes and reduced medical incidents to the coordinated efforts of the medical teams.