The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has so far airlifted 40, 642 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria since the commencement of return airlift which began on September 6.
A statement by Adamu Abdullahi, head of National Media Team For Hajj 2017, said the return journey began with pilgrims from Gombe state and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The pilgrims were airlifted back by Max Air, Medview and Flynas, in 97 flights operations within 19 days.
The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Abdullahi Mohammed, had assured that all pilgrims wiould be airlifted back to Nigeria ahead of the scheduled allocated time.
He admonished officials of the state pilgrims welfare boards, commissions and agencies to ensure that they mobilize their pilgrims for onward movement to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah as soon as they receive communication to do so from the commission.
“The return airlift is going according to the time allotted to the airlines and we strongly believe that all our pilgrims will return home to meet their loved ones even ahead of the deadline we schedule for ourselves,” the chairman noted.
Mr Mohammed also congratulated Saudi Arabian authorities for the country’s National Day celebrated on Saturday and commended the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman and the Crown Prince, Mohammed Bn Salman for their continued service to Islam and Muslims globally.
The chairman said “ Saudi Arabia has continued to be a shining light for all Muslims across the globe and our prayer is for God to continue to bless this country and its rulers and give them the wisdom to continue serving the Muslim Ummah”.
