The first batch of Kano pilgrims that departed the state on Friday night has arrived in Madina, Saudi Arabia, for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

SolaceBase reports that the pilgrims departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport aboard Max Air and arrived at Madina Airport at exactly 7:35 a.m., Saturday (GMT+1).

The Public Relations Officer, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sulaiman Dederi, announced this in a statement issued on Saturday.

‘’A total of 558 pilgrims were transported on the inaugural flight, comprising 333 male pilgrims and 225 female pilgrims,” the statement said.

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According to the statement, the pilgrims were drawn from four Local Government Areas of Kano State, namely: Dala, Gwale, Ungogo and Fagge.

‘’The Kano State Pilgrims Board expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful journey and commended the efforts of all officials and stakeholders involved in ensuring a smooth airlift operation.

‘’The Board also prayed for a successful Hajj exercise and urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves peacefully, obey the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and pray for Kano State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land.