The first batch of Kwara State pilgrims who performed this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia is expected to arrive in Ilorin on Sunday, marking the beginning of the state’s return airlift operation following the conclusion of the 2026 pilgrimage season.

A total of 1,714 pilgrims from Kwara State participated in this year’s Hajj, having been airlifted to the Kingdom in four batches between May 6 and May 10, 2026, aboard Max Air flights from the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin. The outbound operation, coordinated by the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in partnership with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), was described as smooth and hitch-free, with officials commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support throughout the exercise.

The return phase of the national Hajj airlift commenced on June 4, with Saudi-designated carrier Flynas beginning inbound operations for Nigerian pilgrims from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia has mobilised resources across its air, sea, and land entry points to facilitate the large-scale departure of more than 1.7 million pilgrims who converged on the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for the 2026 Hajj, which many participants described as exceptionally well-organised.

The Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood-Mahmud Jimba, and Executive Secretary Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir are expected to be part of the reception arrangements in Ilorin, as has been the tradition in previous years.

The State Amirul Hajj, the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, who led the Kwara delegation to the Holy Land, is also expected to return with the early batches.

Before the pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia, Governor AbdulRazaq had urged them to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Kwara State and Nigeria, comply with all Saudi Arabian laws and regulations, and heed the directives of the Amirul Hajj at all times. Officials confirmed that medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, were embedded within the delegation to provide healthcare support throughout the spiritual exercise. Remaining batches of the 1,714 pilgrims are expected to return over the coming days in line with the NAHCON-managed return flight schedule.