Niger State has airlifted the first batch of 345 intending pilgrims from the state for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The airlifting was conducted Monday night through the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna.
Flynas Airline took off at about 10:15pm with the 345 pilgrims on board.
The intending pilgrims comprised 227 males and 118 females from Chanchaga and Borgu LGA.
Bidding the intending pilgrims farewell, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru-Bago, urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country.
He also advised them not to receive items from strangers for safekeeping and asked them to keep their personal belongings secure at all times.
Addressing the intending pilgrims, the State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, said he was satisfied with the level of preparation for the exercise.
He enjoined the intending pilgrims to obey the Saudi Arabian laws as well as rules and regulations guiding the hajj rites throughout their stay in the Holy Land.