The Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency has confirmed the safe return of all 4,256 state pilgrims from this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia, recording zero fatalities throughout the spiritual exercise.
Executive Chairman Faruk Aliyu-Enabo disclosed this on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi during the official closing ceremony of the 2026 Hajj operations. He described the pilgrimage as one of the state’s most successful outings, attributing the achievement to the robust moral and material support provided by Governor Nasir Idris.
The agency also oversaw the evacuation and successful distribution of 7,860 pieces of pilgrims’ luggage to their rightful owners across the state. Mr Aliyu-Enabo noted that Kebbi has been rated among the best-performing states in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s exercise.
While all pilgrims are accounted for, one male pilgrim remains in Makkah for ongoing medical treatment but is expected to return to Nigeria imminently.
Turning to future planning, Mr Aliyu-Enabo announced that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the official timetable for the 2027 Hajj. Under Saudi regulations, intending pilgrims have until 1 December 2026 to complete their visa requirements. He urged prospective pilgrims from Kebbi to commence payment immediately, stressing that the registration window will close on 30 July. Governor Idris has approved an initial deposit of N5 million for intending pilgrims, while the full fare has been set at N7 million.
To mark the conclusion of the operation, the agency presented awards and cash gifts to security agencies, organisations, and individuals whose contributions ensured the exercise’s success. 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).
Medical teams, media organisations, and the Kebbi State Transport Authority (KSTA) were also honoured. Additionally, four individuals received brand-new motorcycles in recognition 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.
