The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) monitoring team has commended the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and stakeholders for a well-coordinated and seamless airlift of pilgrims from the Bauchi zone for the 2026 Hajj.
In a statement, the team said it observed a high level of dedication and organization from the Hajj camp to the airport throughout the exercise. It noted that officials maintained order and efficiency, ensuring smooth movement of pilgrims during departures.
IHR particularly praised the Executive Secretary of the board, Imam AbdulRahaman, for his hands-on leadership, noting that he was consistently present with pilgrims and personally accompanied them to the point of boarding without missing any stage of the airlift. NAHCON zonal officials in Bauchi also showed remarkable commitment to coordination.
According to the team, the use of uniforms, identification tags, and clearly defined roles by Bauchi officials enhanced coordination and made it easier for pilgrims to identify and seek assistance from the relevant personnel.
Operational data from the airlift showed steady progress over several days. On May 6, Umza flight UY3507 departed Bauchi for Madinah with 481 Plateau pilgrims, bringing the total airlift to 6,493 across 15 flights.
On May 7, two flights — UY3509 and UY3511 — transported a combined 958 pilgrims, including contingents from Bauchi and Plateau states, raising the total to 10,576 pilgrims across 25 flights.
Subsequent operations recorded further progress. Flight UY3513 on May 8 airlifted 479 pilgrims, while flight UY3515 on May 9 conveyed 485 Bauchi pilgrims. By May 10, flight UY3517 departed with 476 pilgrims, including one from Jigawa State.
Cumulatively, a total of 16,932 pilgrims had been airlifted in 40 flights as of May 10, reflecting what IHR described as a highly efficient and coordinated exercise.
E-signed
Ibrahim Muhammad
For: Independent Hajj Reporters
May 11, 2026
