Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return journey of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will commence on June 13, 2025.

The chairman of the commission, Abdullahi Usman, a professor, stated this in Mina on Friday, June 6, as Muslims around the world marked Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice.

In a Sallah message , Professor Usman also extended greetings to Muslims particularly pilgrims who participated in the Day of Arafat, a key rite of the Hajj, Premium Times reported.

"As we mark Eid, we bring good news, the return journey for Nigerian pilgrims will begin on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

"The first flights will include pilgrims from Imo State with Air Peace, Bauchi State with Max Air, and Kebbi and Sokoto states with Flynas. We urge the first batch of pilgrims to be ready for their return trip and pray for a smooth return leg operation for all our pilgrims."

He also reminded Muslim faithful of the spiritual significance of Hajj, invoking stories of Prophet Ibrahim and Sayyidatuna Hajara as examples of trust, obedience, and sacrifice.

Legit.ng earlier reported that millions of Muslim pilgrims surged into the Jamarat complex in Mina early Friday morning, June 6, to perform Ramy al-Jamarat—the symbolic stoning of the devil.

This marked a critical stage in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, coming after a deeply spiritual day at Arafat and a serene night at Muzdalifa.

The ritual, which involves pelting three stone pillars, commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of Satan’s temptations as pilgrims began with seven pebbles thrown at the largest pillar, Jamarat al-Aqaba, each time declaring “Allahu Akbar”.

Also, Muslim pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat on Thursday, June 5, 2025, to pray during the high point of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

The pilgrims defied the extreme heat wave as they stormed Mount Arafat in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to observe the Islamic ritual.

Saudi Arabia authorities have urged the 1.5 million pilgrims to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.

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In another development, Legit.ng reported that about 2,717 Nigerian pilgrims missed the 2025 Hajj due to late registration and the closure of Saudi Arabia’s visa portal.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced this and noted that although it extended visa issuance deadlines four times, it was unable to secure a last-minute extension from Saudi authorities.

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Source: Legit.ng