Hajj: 4 Nigerian Pilgrims Die, 54 Hospitalised In Saudi Arabia

By Tgnews Reporter

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that 54 Nigerian pilgrims have been hospitalised in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise, while four deaths have been recorded so far.

The Head of the National Medical Team disclosed this while briefing journalists in Makkah on the health condition and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims participating in the pilgrimage.

According to the official, NAHCON is currently operating five licensed clinics in Saudi Arabia to provide healthcare services to pilgrims. Two of the clinics are located in Madinah, while three are situated in Makkah.

The clinics in Madinah are located at Alsham’s Madinah Hotel and Buna Toiba within the Markazia area, while the Makkah facilities are based in Misfalah, Sharasittin and Niger House at Yabalash.

The medical team explained that operations commenced in Madinah shortly after the arrival of Nigerian pilgrims on April 28 following approval by Saudi authorities.

It added that unlike previous years, Saudi regulations this year only permitted full clinic operations, preventing the establishment of smaller medical outposts for minor cases. This, according to the team, has increased pressure on the available clinics due to the high number of patients seeking treatment.

The commission revealed that more than 24 patients had been referred to Saudi hospitals in Madinah, while over 30 referrals were made from Makkah, especially from the Misfalah clinic serving pilgrims from about 19 Nigerian states.

Patients requiring specialised or emergency treatment are being referred to facilities such as King Abdulaziz Hospital through Saudi emergency services.

The medical team disclosed that all four recorded deaths involved female pilgrims. Most of the fatalities were linked to heart-related complications, including suspected cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction, while another pilgrim reportedly died from complications arising from a strangulated hernia.

The official noted that stress associated with Hajj activities, harsh weather conditions and pre-existing medical conditions may have contributed to the deaths.

Pilgrims were also advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme temperatures and remain adequately hydrated throughout the exercise.

NAHCON further disclosed that about 287 medical personnel, including around 80 doctors and specialists, have been deployed to support Nigerian pilgrims during the Hajj.

Also speaking, the Head of Clinic at Misfalah, Fatima Saddiq, described the workload at the facility as overwhelming due to the increasing number of patients.

She listed common ailments being treated to include malaria, body pains, catarrh, dehydration, diabetes, asthma and hypertension, as well as injuries such as bruises and cuts.

According to her, six doctors are deployed per shift daily to manage the growing health challenges among pilgrims.