The second batch of 548 Kwara State pilgrims has safely returned to Ilorin, the state capital, after successfully completing the 2025 Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims arrived at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, at 7:01 p.m. on Monday, aboard a Max Airline flight.
Three state officials – Alhaja Khadijat Kuburat Abtawiy, Alhaji Abdullahi Kawu-Shuaib, and Hajia Sanni Ramat – led the group, which also included one pilgrim from Ondo State.
This batch brings the total number of Kwara pilgrims who have returned from the Holy Land to 1,106, following the arrival of the first batch of 558 pilgrims on Saturday.
The Kwara State government had announced that pilgrims would return in four batches, starting June 21, with the schedule designed by NAHCON, airlines, and the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
NAHCON has assured that all Nigerian pilgrims will return by June 28, despite current delays due to limited airport landing slots in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the Max Airline aircraft that transported the pilgrims back to Nigeria department the Tunde idiagbon international Airport at approximately 8:52 p.m.