The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has airlifted a third batch of 557 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, bringing the total number of pilgrims transported from the state to 1,487.

The pilgrims departed aboard a Max Air flight from Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport at about 10:09 a.m. on Friday.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Ilorin by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Jumoke Jimoh.

Speaking before departure, the Executive Secretary of the board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, urged the pilgrims to remain disciplined and focused on the spiritual purpose of the pilgrimage.

“You are going to the Holy Land for a sacred obligation, and you must conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the people of Kwara State and Nigeria,” he said.

Abdulkadir also advised the pilgrims to avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the state and the country, while stressing the need for patience, unity and respect for authorities during the exercise.

The Chairman of the board, Moshood Mahmud-Jimba, described Hajj as an important act of worship that requires devotion, discipline and sincerity.

He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing airlift operations and assured intending pilgrims that arrangements had been made to ensure the smooth transportation of the remaining pilgrims.

The first batch of 374 pilgrims from Kwara State arrived safely in Medina after departing Ilorin on Wednesday, while a second batch of 556 pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia early Thursday as part of the state’s ongoing Hajj operations.