The first batch of 412 intending pilgrims from Adamawa State were yesterday airlifted to Saudi Arabia.

‎Daily Trust reports that the plane carrying the pilgrims from Adamawa took off from Yola International Airport at 5:15 am.

The Hajj operation suffered a set back after authorities failed to commence the airlift on Tuesday 8th August,2017 as earlier scheduled due to some technical hitch.

The Information officer of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mustapha Aliyu said the airlifted pilgrims were from Mubi North, Mubi South, Gombi and Fufore local arears, adding that they comprised of 288 men and 124 while three officials of the borad traveled with them.

The board had announced that a total of 2600 pilgrims from the state were expected to perform Hajj pilgrimage this year.

The Board's Executive Secretary, Abubakar Bobboi warned pilgrims against travelling with banned items, urging them to respect the laws of the host country.