NAHCON Airlifts 14,000 Intending Pilgrims to Saudi

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that about 14,000 intending pilgrims from the country have arrived Madinah in the Saudi Arabia.

In a chat with THISDAY yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Deputy Director of Information and Publication of the NAHCON, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki, said: “As at early morning on Thursday, a total number of 33 flights have left different airports across the country with Nigerian pilgrims.

“At the time of writing this statement, NAHCON had already concluded arrangements for rescue operation for any delayed or cancelled flight that might hinder the smooth transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

“So far, close to 14,000 pilgrims are safely in Madinah, and the number of flights transporting pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also increase in a couple of days.

 “The operation is going on as planned with back-up measures put in place in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

“Therefore, intending pilgrims are enjoined to remain in a state of readiness at all times for imminent departure to Saudi Arabia.”

Ubandawaki, however, added that: “All the  affected intending pilgrims are in good condition and have been embarking on their Islamic rites without any
stress.”

He also stated that the commission has arranged good medical facilities for the intending pilgrims while the food vendors are also on ground that would prepare hygienic food for the pilgrims throughout the hajji exercise.

Ubandawaki, however, made an assurance that this year hajji operations would witness a hitch-free exercise for the pilgrims of the country in the Saudi Arabia.