By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Saturday successfully concluded the state’s 2026 Hajj return airlift operation as the second and final batch of pilgrims arrived safely from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing this year’s pilgrimage exercise to a successful close.
According to the Board, the final batch, comprising 453 pilgrims, arrived at Gombe International Airport aboard MaxAir flight NGL271 after departing Jeddah at 9:27 a.m. local time. Their arrival followed the successful return of the first batch on Friday, when 522 pilgrims were airlifted back to the state.
With the completion of the second flight operation, a total of 975 pilgrims were successfully transported home, marking the end of Gombe State’s 2026 Hajj airlift programme.
Speaking shortly after the arrival of the final batch, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the smooth and successful completion of the return exercise.
He prayed for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ acts of worship and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to serving the Muslim community with sincerity, dedication and accountability.
“We thank Almighty Allah for granting us this opportunity and blessing. We pray that Allah accepts our prayers and good deeds and grants us the strength to continue serving the community with sincerity and trustworthiness,” he said.
“We ask Allah to help us fulfil our responsibilities, bless our efforts, and grant us success and progress in this world and the Hereafter.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Abdulkadir Haruna Rashid, thanked Almighty Allah for granting pilgrims, officials and service providers a successful Hajj exercise and safe return journey.
He described the successful completion of the airlift operation as a special blessing from Allah and prayed for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ worship and sacrifices during the sacred pilgrimage.
The Emir further expressed profound appreciation to Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering support, commitment and leadership throughout the Hajj operations.
According to him, the governor’s continuous support significantly enhanced the welfare, comfort and overall experience of Gombe pilgrims both at home and in the Holy Land.
He noted that the successful conclusion of the return flights reflected meticulous planning, effective coordination and the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The chairman also commended officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, airline operators, medical teams, security personnel and other service providers for their dedication and professionalism throughout the pilgrimage period.
The completion of the return flights officially marks the end of Gombe State’s 2026 Hajj airlift operations, with authorities reporting that all scheduled flights were conducted successfully and without major challenges.
The achievement further reinforces Gombe State’s growing reputation for efficient, well-coordinated and pilgrim-focused Hajj administration.
As the final batch of pilgrims reunited with their families and loved ones, the curtain fell on another successful Hajj season for Gombe State, leaving behind cherished spiritual memories, renewed faith and profound gratitude among the returning pilgrims.