Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage have started moving to Mina as preparations intensify for the commencement of the major Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.

The relocation to Mina signals the beginning of a critical stage of the pilgrimage, with thousands of Nigerian pilgrims leaving their hotels and temporary accommodations in Mecca for the tent settlement where they will observe key religious activities.

Officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and various state pilgrims welfare boards were engaged in coordinating transportation, organising pilgrim groups and conducting sensitisation exercises to ensure a smooth transition.

Pilgrims were repeatedly reminded to remain with their designated groups and leaders in compliance with Saudi Arabia’s operational guidelines designed to maintain safety and order during the pilgrimage.

Authorities also stressed the importance of carrying the mandatory Nusuk Card, noting that the identification document is essential for access to Hajj sites and movement within designated pilgrimage areas.

The movement to Mina comes as Saudi officials and Hajj coordinators continue awareness campaigns on crowd management, hydration and compliance with safety regulations during the peak period of the pilgrimage.

Some of the pilgrims expressed joy and anticipation as they prepared for what they described as the most spiritually significant phase of the Hajj exercise.

One of the pilgrims prayed for a successful pilgrimage and peace in Nigeria, expressing gratitude for witnessing the occasion.

Meanwhile, security personnel and Hajj officials have heightened surveillance around camps and transport terminals to ensure orderly movement and prevent cases of overcrowding or missing pilgrims.

After spending the night in Mina, pilgrims are expected to proceed to Arafat for the climax of the Hajj rites, where they will engage in prayers and supplications considered central to the pilgrimage.

Saudi authorities have also maintained strict enforcement of operational procedures, warning that any lapses involving pilgrims could attract consequences for the participating countries’ Hajj missions.