First batch of 480 intending pilgrims from Jigawa State has been airlifted from Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International Airport to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Director-General of the board, Ahmed Umar Labbo, disclosed this to Radio Nigeria shortly after their departure to the Holy Land.
He explained that the intending pilgrims were drawn from 25 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the local government areas include Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, Yankwashi, Gumel, Gagarawa, Garki, Maigatari, Sule Tankarkar, Babura, Jahun and Miga.
Others are Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Kirikasamma, Guri, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Dutse, Kiyawa, Ringim and Gwaram.
Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, pointed out that the flight also consists of some officials from the the state pilgrims board, medical personal and other critical stakeholders.
He urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country in general while at the holyland.
Labbo, commended the state security agencies for the smooth conduct of the screening exercise both at the Hajj camp and airport.
He also commended the state Governor, Malam Umar Namadi for the support and cooperation given to the board at all times.
He pointed out that, the state had fortified its pilgrims enough by inviting federal government enforcement agencies which include, Nigeria Police, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Immigration and customs to enlighten the pilgrims on what to be taken along and other prohibited items.
Ahmed Labbo urged them to have the fear of Allah in their activities while at the holy land.
He added that, the state had put everything in place to ensure their comfort and welfare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Some of the pilgrims who spoke to Radio Nigeria before their departure commended the state government and the pilgrims board for the treatment they received both at the hajj camp and the airport.
Radio Nigeria reports that the pilgrims were airlifted by Umza airline.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
