The Kwara State Government has commenced the 2025 Hajj exercise, successfully airlifting the first batch of 560 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. These pilgrims were accompanied by two NAHCON officials. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen, urged the 2,174 pilgrims from Kwara to maintain dignity and represent Nigeria honorably, praying for the country's peaceful coexistence.

The Governor also advised the pilgrims to avoid behaviours that could tarnish Nigeria's image and to maintain peace with fellow pilgrims. Professor Mashood Mahmood Jimba and Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, Chairman of the Board and Amirul-Hajj respectively, echoed the call for good conduct. Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, Executive Secretary of the Board, confirmed that 2,174 pilgrims would be transported in four flights. The first flight, operated by Max Airline, departed from Ilorin’s Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport at 12:40 pm.

Nationwide, 9,691 pilgrims have departed Nigeria for Saudi Arabia as part of the 2025 Hajj operations. NAHCON reported that 24 flights had been deployed, achieving a 19% progress rate in the ongoing airlift. Fatima Usara noted this was an improvement from the 9% airlifted within the same period in 2024. Air Peace completed the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, transporting 559 out of 564 pilgrims. Max Air concluded the airlift of 1,083 Oyo State pilgrims. Imo and Abia States have also completed their operations, with remaining pilgrims to be accommodated in mop-up flights.

UMZA Air is finalizing its operations for Nasarawa State, with plans to begin airlifting Kaduna State pilgrims on May 14th. FlyNas will commence airlifting Sokoto pilgrims on May 13th and Abuja pilgrims on May 16th. Air Peace is scheduled to transport Borno pilgrims starting May 18th. NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman commended the airlines, State Pilgrims’ Boards, and stakeholders for their cooperation.

Separately, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji has emphasized the critical role of security agencies in safeguarding Kenya's sovereignty and stability. He requested Parliament's approval for Sh65 billion in the 2024/25 financial year to address budget shortfalls that could impede national defense. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, Haji warned of increasing hostilities from elements in neighboring states. He disclosed that the NIS had been granted Sh51 billion, Sh14 billion less than requested.

Haji detailed that Sh33 billion was allocated for personnel emoluments, Sh5.5 billion for modernizing intelligence infrastructure, Sh4.5 billion for surveillance expansion, and Sh2.5 billion for multi-agency security operations. A request for Sh1 billion to recruit new personnel was not approved. Haji stressed the importance of investing in staff training and modern infrastructure to counter disinformation and misinformation, which pose a threat to national stability. He cited threats from Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda, noting only Tanzania has posed no threat.