2025 HAJJ: SAUDI ARABIA ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL PILGRIMAGE AS NIGERIAN PILGRIMS BEGIN RETURN JOURNEY
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage has officially concluded, with Saudi Arabian authorities on Monday declaring the exercise successful and peaceful, marking the end of the Islamic year 1446 rites. Over 1.67 million pilgrims from around the world participated in the sacred rituals, including thousands of Nigerians.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed that return flights for Nigerian pilgrims will commence on June 9. Many pilgrims expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill one of Islam’s fundamental obligations, praising the organisation and support received during their stay in the Holy Land.
Tragically, seven Nigerian pilgrims died during the exercise due to health complications, including cardiac arrest and heart failure, according to medical personnel in Saudi Arabia. The deceased pilgrims hailed from states including Oyo, Abia, Edo, Plateau, and Kano. They were buried in the Kingdom in accordance with Islamic rites. However, this year’s death toll is significantly lower than in 2024, when over 30 Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives.
In an official statement, the Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, announced that the pilgrimage recorded no major health, security, or logistical incidents. He credited the smooth conduct of the Hajj to the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the operational readiness of supporting agencies.
According to Saudi authorities, a total of 1,673,230 pilgrims performed the 2025 Hajj rites, including 1,506,576 international pilgrims and 166,654 domestic pilgrims. Among them were 877,841 men and 795,389 women.
Prince Mishaal praised the discipline and compliance of pilgrims with established guidelines, which he said contributed significantly to the successful execution of the pilgrimage. He also stated that preparations for the 2026 Hajj season would begin immediately, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam’s holiest sites and ensuring a dignified experience for pilgrims worldwide.
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