Hajj 2026: Kebbi announces successful return of all pilgrims

The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (KSPWA) has announced the successful arrival of all 4,256 pilgrims from the state who participated in this year’s holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with no deaths recorded.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Faruk Aliyu-Enabo, disclosed this on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi during the official closing ceremony of the 2026 Hajj operations.

Aliyu-Enabo described the exercise as one of the most successful Hajj operations conducted by the state, noting that the agency also evacuated and distributed 7,860 pieces of luggage belonging to pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to their owners in the state.

“The success of our operations is attributable to Governor Nasir Idris, who provided the agency with the necessary moral and material support to excel,” he said, adding that Kebbi was rated among the best-performing states in the conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The chairman, however, disclosed that one male pilgrim remained in Makkah for medical treatment but was expected to return to Nigeria soon.

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“We thank Almighty Allah that no pilgrim from Kebbi lost his or her life during this year’s pilgrimage. We have all returned home safely, except one pilgrim undergoing therapy in Makkah who is expected back any moment,” he said.

Aliyu-Enabo also announced that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had released the timetable for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

He urged intending pilgrims from Kebbi State to commence payment for the pilgrimage, noting that the registration window would close on July 30, while visa processing requirements must be completed before December 1, 2026.