2026 Hajj: Kaduna airlifts 1,158 pilgrims to Medina

In March 2026, the Nigerian Air Force conducted a humanitarian airlift from Kaduna to Saudi Arabia, transporting 1,158 Nigerian pilgrims to Medina for the Hajj. The operation, part of a bilateral agreement with Saudi authorities, aimed to ensure safe, timely passage for the pilgrims amid regional travel challenges. The flight used military transport aircraft and was coordinated with the Ministry of Pilgrims Affairs to meet Hajj quota requirements. Views Nigeria