The first batch of 383 intending pilgrims from Borno state have been airlifted from the Muhammadu Buhari International airport Maiduguri to Saudi Arabia.
The intending pilgrims left for Madina in the early hours of Monday with the last batch of 27 pilgrims from Yobe state.
Borno state has a total of 1,815 intending pilgrims who are expected to be airlifted in five batches.
Addressing the first batch of the intending pilgrims at the Airport, Borno state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur urged them to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the holy land.
He also requested them to pray for sustainable peace in the state and country at large.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria in Maiduguri, Acting Executive Secretary of the Borno state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Dawule Mainok said the first batch comprised of 234 male and 149 female.
He expressed satisfaction that the screening exercise went on successfully without any hitch as they have strictly abide by the rules and regulation of the spiritual journey.
“As you can see, the screening is going on, there are hitches, the pilgrims have complied, they are following the rules and regulations laid down by the Board. Let the bear in mind that they are there to discharge one of their religious obligations” Dawule said.
The Executive Secretary called on the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors while in the holy land.
Chairman screening and security sub- committee of the Amirul Hajj, Dr Shettima Kullima described the grouping method introduced as efficient.
“The design which has been earlier predicted on grouping appear to be quite efficient and there is significant efficacy ” Dr Kullima observed.
Two of the intending pilgrims Aisha Ali from Ngala and Idris Allamin from Konduga local government who described the screening exercise as seamless, commended the National Hajj Commission and the State Pilgrims Board for the robust arrangement.
The second batch is expected to airlifted later in the day.
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