The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has commended the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and other stakeholders for the smooth, well-coordinated airlift of pilgrims from the Bauchi zone for the 2026 Hajj.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the IHR monitoring team noted exceptional dedication and organisation from the Hajj camp to the airport, with officials maintaining order and efficiency throughout the departure process.
The group specifically praised the board’s Executive Secretary, Imam AbdulRahaman, for his hands-on leadership, noting his constant presence alongside pilgrims and personal accompaniment to boarding points during all stages of the airlift. NAHCON’s zonal officials in Bauchi were also lauded for their strong coordination efforts.
According to the IHR, the use of uniforms, identification tags, and clearly defined roles by Bauchi officials enhanced coordination and made it easier for pilgrims to seek assistance.
Operational data reflects steady progress: on May 6, Umza flight UY3507 departed Bauchi for Madinah with 481 Plateau pilgrims, bringing total airlifts to 6,493 across 15 flights. On May 7, two flights—UY3509 and UY3511—carried 958 pilgrims from Bauchi and Plateau, raising the total to 10,576 across 25 flights. Flight UY3513 on May 8 airlifted 479 pilgrims, and UY3515 on May 9 conveyed 485 Bauchi pilgrims. By May 10, flight UY3517 departed with 476 pilgrims, including one from Jigawa State.
Cumulatively, 16,932 pilgrims had been airlifted in 40 flights as of May 10—a performance the IHR described as highly efficient and well-coordinated.