Second Batch of Kebbi Pilgrims Returns from 2026 Hajj, Arrives in Birnin Kebbi

By Umar Faruk

  

Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria - June 6, 2026(Series News Online)- The second batch of pilgrims from Kebbi State returned safely from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj on early hours of Saturday, landing at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi at exactly 9:45 a.m. Nigerian time.

A Flynas aircraft conveying 429 pilgrims and 2 officials departed Saudi Arabia at 5:45 a.m. Saudi time, 3:45 a.m. Nigerian time, and arrived without incident.

The returning pilgrims are from Jega and Gwandu Local Government Areas of the state, alongside officials of the Kebbi State Government, KGO. Upon arrival, they were received by a government delegation led by Retired AIG U. Ambursa.

One of the pilgrims from Gwandu who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity expressed gratitude to God for a successful Hajj and praised the Kebbi State Government for its support.  

“We give thanks to Allah for sparing our lives and for enabling us to perform this year’s Hajj alive,” the pilgrim said. “We also express our appreciation to the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, for the good gesture shown to pilgrims during our stay in Makkah and Madina until our return home.”

The pilgrim commended the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, KSPWA, for its care throughout the exercise.  

“However, the government officials did their utmost best in taking care of us, all under the leadership of KSPWA Chairman, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro Enabo,” he said. “We also appreciate our families, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and for standing by us throughout this period. As we landed, the airport was fully crowded with our relatives, friends and well-wishers waiting to receive us. We are filled with joy.”

Officials said the orderly reception and crowd management at the airport reflected the state government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth return for all Kebbi pilgrims. More batches are expected in the coming days as the 2026 Hajj airlift operations continue.