The Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency says all 4,256 pilgrims from the state who participated in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have returned home safely, with no deaths recorded.

The executive chairman of the agency, Faruk Aliyu-Enabo, disclosed this on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi during the official closing of the 2026 Hajj operations.

Mr Aliyu-Enabo described the exercise as one of the most successful Hajj operations conducted by the state, attributing the achievement to the support of Governor Nasir Idris.

According to him, the agency also evacuated and distributed 7,860 pieces of pilgrims’ luggage from Saudi Arabia to their owners in Kebbi.

“The success of our operations is attributable to Gov. Nasir Idris, who provided the agency with the necessary moral and material support to excel.

“Kebbi has been rated among the best-performing states in the conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations, both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

The chairman, however, said one male pilgrim remained in Makkah for medical treatment but was expected to return to Nigeria shortly.

“We thank Almighty Allah that no pilgrim from Kebbi lost his or her life during this year’s pilgrimage.

“We have all returned home safely, except one pilgrim undergoing therapy in Makkah who is expected back any moment,” he added.

Mr Aliyu-Enabo further announced that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had released the timetable for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

He said, “Intending pilgrims have until December 1, 2026, to complete visa requirements as stipulated by Saudi authorities.

“I want to use this medium to urge prospective pilgrims from Kebbi to commence payment immediately. The registration window will close on July 30.

“Gov. Idris has approved an initial deposit of N5 million for intending pilgrims, while those willing and able to do so may pay the full fare of N7 million.”

As part of activities marking the conclusion of the exercise, the agency presented awards and cash gifts to security agencies, organisations, and individuals for their contributions to the successful conduct of the operation.

Beneficiaries included the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Nigeria Police Force; Nigerian Army; Department of State Services (DSS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); Nigeria Customs Service; and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Others honoured were members of the medical team, media organisations, and the Kebbi State Transport Authority (KSTA), while four individuals received brand-new motorcycles in appreciation of their dedication and outstanding service during the Hajj operations.

The ceremony was attended by the Amirul Hajj and head of the government delegation, retired Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Alhaji Ahmad Jafar-Jega, and the Sarkin Kabin Jega, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa-Arzika, alongside other members of the state delegation.

(NAN)