By Jamilu Abubakar
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj will commence on May 4, 2026, with a total of 960 pilgrims expected to participate in the exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, disclosed this after a board meeting held on April 23, 2026, to review and finalize preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
He said the first batch comprising 417 pilgrims will depart on May 4, while the second batch of 560 pilgrims is scheduled to leave on May 5.
Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan noted that this year’s Hajj exercise has recorded significant improvements, particularly in the timely processing of travel documents, as all intending pilgrims have secured their visas.
He added that the board has already distributed uniforms, bags, and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to all registered pilgrims, while yellow cards have also been made available.
The Executive Secretary urged intending pilgrims to settle any outstanding hadaya fees promptly, stressing that it is part of the required preparations, and disclosed that in addition to earlier medical screening, further physical checks, including pregnancy tests for women, will be conducted before departure.
