Yobe State Reports Zero Pilgrim Abscondment in 2026 Hajj

Yobe State, under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, reported zero cases of pilgrims absconding in Saudi Arabia following the 2026 Hajj. This announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Sensitisation Committee on Thursday in Damaturu, represented by Deputy Governor Alhaji Gubana.

Yobe was noted as the first state in the North-East to successfully transport all its pilgrims back to Nigeria, a success attributed to effective planning, discipline, and collaboration among the state government, the state Hajj Commission, religious leaders, and the pilgrims themselves. Governor Buni committed to adhering to new NAHCON guidelines for the 2027 Hajj, including completing transportation fare payments and pilgrim registrations by the September 26 deadline.

Abba Jato, NAHCON Commissioner for the North-East, explained the transition from a government-to-government Hajj management model to a Business-to-Business model, securing a concession to limit the immediate shift to 30% of Nigeria's quota.