By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu The 2026 Hajj operation for pilgrims from Gombe State has recorded significant progress as the first and second batches of intending pilgrims arrived safely in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, without any reported cases of serious health complications.
The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, disclosed this during a telephone interview with our correspondent from Madinah on Friday.
According to him, all pilgrims from both batches are in good health and have settled comfortably in their respective accommodations in the holy city.
He stated that the first batch of pilgrims is expected to depart Madinah for Makkah shortly to continue the next phase of the Hajj rites.
Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan further revealed that the second batch of pilgrims will remain in Madinah until Saturday before proceeding to Makkah.
He explained that the movement of pilgrims between the two holy cities is being carefully coordinated to ensure their comfort, safety, and overall welfare throughout the pilgrimage exercise.
The Executive Secretary also disclosed that a large number of the pilgrims have already received their Nusuk cards, a mandatory document that grants pilgrims access to key Hajj sites and essential services in Saudi Arabia.
He described the distribution process as smooth and encouraging, adding that officials of the board are working closely with Saudi authorities to ensure that every pilgrim receives the document promptly.
Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan expressed satisfaction with the conduct, discipline, and cooperation demonstrated by the pilgrims since their arrival in the Kingdom.
He also commended the efforts of board officials, medical teams, and other stakeholders for their commitment to ensuring a seamless and successful Hajj operation.
Speaking on the spiritual activities in Madinah, the Executive Secretary disclosed that pilgrims from the first batch successfully gained access to the revered Rauda at the Prophet’s Mosque.
He described the development as a major spiritual milestone and a source of immense joy and relief for the pilgrims from Gombe State.
According to him, the experience this year has been considerably better compared to the previous Hajj season.
He recalled that during the 2025 Hajj exercise, many pilgrims encountered significant difficulties accessing the Rauda due to overcrowding and strict entry regulations.
The Executive Secretary explained that improved arrangements introduced by the Saudi authorities have made access to the sacred site more organized and convenient this year.
He added that the second batch of Gombe pilgrims is also expected to gain access to the Rauda before departing Madinah for Makkah.
Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan emphasized that the welfare board remains fully committed to ensuring that pilgrims perform their religious obligations under conducive and well-coordinated conditions.
He assured families and residents of Gombe State that their loved ones in Saudi Arabia are safe, healthy, and receiving adequate care and support from officials accompanying the delegation.
The Executive Secretary further urged the pilgrims to continue praying for peace, unity, stability, and development in Nigeria, particularly in Gombe State, during their stay in the holy land.
He also advised them to remain law-abiding, patient, and spiritually devoted throughout the Hajj exercise.
Observers have described the successful airlift and smooth coordination of the first and second batches of pilgrims as a reflection of effective planning and improved logistics by the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The development has continued to generate excitement, gratitude, and prayers among families of the pilgrims and residents across Gombe State, many of whom have been closely monitoring the progress of the 2026 Hajj operations.