- 1.67 million pilgrims completed the 2025 Hajj safely.
- Seven Nigerian pilgrims died, fewer than 30 in 2024.
- Saudi praised for smooth, incident-free pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia, on Monday, announced the successful and peaceful conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage for the Islamic year 1446.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the country hosted over 1.67 million pilgrims who performed the sacred rites, including Nigerians.
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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, while announcing the conclusion of the Hajj, scheduled June 9 for the commencement of return flights for Nigerian pilgrims.
Some of the pilgrims expressed joy for the opportunity to perform the sacred rites.
However, following health complications, seven pilgrims who were reported dead during the exercise, would not make the return journey, as they were buried in Saudi Arabia according to Islamic rites.
According to reports, pilgrims from Oyo, Abia, Edo, Plateau, and Kano reportedly died, with doctors in Saudi Arabia linking their deaths to cardiac arrest and heart failure.
Nevertheless, the number of deaths in the 2025 Hajj was fewer, as no fewer than 30 Nigerians died during the 2024 exercise.
The Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, on Monday, praised the Kingdom’s leadership for ensuring the event was free of any major health, security, or service-related incidents.
Official figures revealed that 1,506,576 pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia, while 166,654 were domestic pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents.
Prince Mishaal said, “Total pilgrims of 1,673,230, including 877,841 male pilgrims and 795,389 female pilgrims.”
He, thereafter, commended the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, attributing the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage to their leadership and the operational efficiency of the supporting agencies.
The Prince said, “The pilgrims performed their rites in safety and peace, thanks to the distinguished execution of operational plans.”
Mishaal further lauded the pilgrims’ compliance with regulations as a key factor in the season’s success.
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While noting that planning for the next Hajj season would begin immediately, the Deputy Emir emphasised the Kingdom’s pride in its continued service to the holy sites and visitors from around the world.
