Nigeria, May 12 -- The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) says it has completed the airlift of intending pilgrims from four Nigerian states: Kogi, Oyo, Imo and Abia.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the airlift began on 9 May, with pilgrims from Imo and Abia states.

NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Usara announced on Monday that 17.6 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully airlifted and have arrived in Saudi Arabia.

According to the NAHCON control unit, 7,825 pilgrims from various states of the federation have been airlifted in 19 trips as of Monday afternoon, with 559 Kwara pilgrims departing Ilorin for Madina at 12 noon.

"Air Peace has concluded the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, transporting 559 out of the 564 scheduled. Similarly...