A total of 930 intending pilgrims from Kwara State have been airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The second batch of 556 pilgrims departed Ilorin at approximately 2:00 am on Thursday aboard a MaxAir flight, marking the completion of the state's initial airlift operations.

Following this development, authorities confirmed that all 930 pilgrims in the first phase have been safely transported to Saudi Arabia.

The Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise, assuring that arrangements are in place to airlift the remaining contingents without delay.

Meanwhile, the first batch of pilgrims has already arrived safely in Medina for the 2026 Hajj exercise.