Nigerian pilgrims who took part in the 2025 Hajj are preparing to return home, as Saudi Arabia officially announced the peaceful and successful conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage for the Islamic year 1446 on Monday.

More than 1.67 million Muslims from around the world participated in the sacred rites, including thousands of Nigerians.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in confirming the end of the pilgrimage, announced that return flights for Nigerian pilgrims commenced on Monday, June 9.

Many pilgrims expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude for the opportunity to fulfil one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.

However, amidst the celebrations, there was sorrow, as seven Nigerian pilgrims died during the Hajj. They were buried in Saudi Arabia in accordance with Islamic rites.

The deceased were pilgrims from Oyo, Abia, Edo, Plateau, and Kano states. Medical authorities in Saudi Arabia attributed the deaths to cardiac arrest and heart failure.

Despite the losses, the 2025 Hajj recorded fewer casualties than the previous year, when at least 30 Nigerian pilgrims died during the pilgrimage.

In an official statement, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership for ensuring the event passed without any major health, security, or logistical incidents.

According to official figures, 1,506,576 international pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage, joined by 166,654 domestic pilgrims, which included both Saudi citizens and residents. 

The total number of pilgrims stood at 1,673,230, comprising 877,841 men and 795,389 women.

Prince Mishaal credited the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage to the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the meticulous planning and execution by the various operational and support agencies.

“The pilgrims performed their rites in safety and peace, thanks to the distinguished execution of operational plans,” he said.

He also commended the pilgrims’ high level of compliance with regulations, which he described as a major contributing factor to the success of the season.

Prince Mishaal concluded by noting that preparations for the next Hajj season would commence immediately, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to the service of Islam’s holiest sites and to welcoming pilgrims from around the globe.