NAHCON Confirms Two Sokoto Pilgrims Missing, Rejects Substandard Meals in Saudi Arabia
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that two Nigerian pilgrims from Sokoto State are missing during the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
The missing pilgrims, Muhammad Muhammad and Ibrahim Iliyasu, were reported missing in Muzdalifah, one of the key Hajj sites where millions of pilgrims gathered overnight during the pilgrimage rites.
According to NAHCON, the two pilgrims bear passport numbers B05062275 and B05062278 respectively. The commission said search efforts are ongoing and appealed to members of the public and fellow pilgrims to provide any useful information that could assist authorities in locating them.
Meanwhile, the commission has rejected meals supplied to Nigerian pilgrims in Mina after some food items reportedly failed to meet required health and safety standards.
NAHCON disclosed that the affected meals, prepared by a Saudi based catering company for dinner on May 27, 2026, were rejected following routine inspections conducted alongside Saudi health officials.
The commission explained that the meals did not satisfy acceptable handling and packaging standards put in place to protect pilgrims from food contamination and other health risks.
Despite the incident, the commission said alternative refreshments were immediately provided for affected pilgrims.
Reacting to the development, NAHCON, Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, directed the commission’s Security Committee to investigate the caterers as well as officials linked to the contract arrangement.
He also ordered a separate investigation into allegations that some tour operators brought additional pilgrims beyond the officially approved quota.
The chairman warned that any operator found guilty after investigations would face sanctions, including possible revocation of operating licences.
