By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Final flight UMZ3440 departed Abuja at 23:38hrs Tuesday, marking the end of Nigeria’s airlift. The flight carried 253 passengers, including 22 pilgrims and 231 officials. Total airlift: 105 flights.

2. As of today, 1,180,306 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia: 1,115,663 by land, 60,363 by air, and 4,278 by sea.

3. Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State returned $5,000 (₦8.24m) found in the Grand Mosque. Her act of integrity has drawn praise from pilgrims and officials.

4. In a deal with Mashariq Al Dhahabia, NAHCON now oversees upgraded tent facilities, featuring modern cooling, large shading umbrellas, and seven extra backup tents for Nigerian pilgrims.

5. First batch of 305 royal guests from 33 countries invited by King Salman have arrived in Makkah ahead of Hajj 1446H.

6. According to Syrian Hajj authorities, nearly 14,000 Syrian pilgrims have arrived safely. Total Syrian pilgrims expected: 22,500 by June 2nd.

7. Saudi Civil Defense bans all LPG cylinders in pilgrim camps and offices within holy sites from 1 Dhul Hijjah to prevent fire hazards.

8. Pilgrims are required to settle debts, make tawbah (repentance), and seek forgiveness from others before setting off—because Hajj is a journey of the soul.

9. Fun Fact: The white marble line on the floor of the Haram indicates the area where Tawaf starts and ends just in line with the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad).

10. Did You Know?:The Black Stone is the only remaining part of the original structure of the Kaʿbah from the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It’s revered not worshipped.

11. Fun Fact: The tent city in Mina can accommodate over 2.6 million pilgrims and is made of fireproof Teflon-coated fiberglass to prevent fire accidents.

12. Fun Fact: Pilgrims travel an average of 35–50 kilometres on foot during the five days of Hajj—depending on their group’s location and logistics.

13. Did You Know?: The Saudi government deploys over 100,000 personnel including security, health workers, and volunteers just for Hajj every year.

14. Did You Know?: Over 5,000 tonnes of waste are generated daily during Hajj and are cleared in record time by 24/7 sanitation teams.