Jet A1 Crisis: NAHCON Engages Presidency to Prevent Possible Increase in 2026 Hajj Fares

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified consultations with the Presidency over the ongoing surge in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices, in a bid to prevent a possible increase in the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian intending pilgrims.

The development comes amid growing concern that the sharp rise in fuel prices could significantly increase airline operating costs just days before the commencement of outbound airlift operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the time the Hajj airlift contracts were signed with four approved airlines—Max Air, Air Peace, Umza Air Services, and Saudi-based FlyNas—Jet A1 was reportedly priced at about ₦1,000 per litre. However, the commodity has now surged to as high as ₦3,000 per litre in some locations, raising fears of potential fare adjustments.

NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, confirmed that the commission has formally written to the Presidency seeking urgent intervention over the rising cost of aviation fuel and its potential impact on the Hajj exercise.

According to her, the Presidency responded by requesting detailed information on the quantity of Jet A1 required by each of the airlines involved in the airlift operation. She added that the airlines have since submitted the requested data, which has been forwarded back to the Presidency for further consideration.

READ ALSO:

• Ogun East 2027: Gbenga Daniel Rejects APC Consensus Move, Rejoins Senate Race
• 2027: Shehu Sani Picks APC Senatorial Form, Joins Kaduna Central Race
• Trump Image to Appear in Special US Passports for America250 Celebration

Usara also disclosed that NAHCON’s leadership has been actively engaging relevant federal authorities. She said the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Amb. Ismaila Abba Yusuf, recently met with the President’s Economic Adviser, alongside officials from the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Petroleum, to discuss possible solutions to the crisis.

The discussions, she explained, focused on how to cushion the impact of rising Jet A1 prices on Hajj operations and ensure that intending pilgrims are not burdened with additional costs at this critical stage of preparations.

She assured that NAHCON remains committed to delivering a smooth and hitch-free 2026 Hajj exercise despite the prevailing challenges in the aviation sector.

“The commission has put all necessary plans in place to ensure a successful and hitch-free Hajj exercise,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has said that pilgrims registered under private tour operators are unlikely to be affected by any fare increase.

AHUON President, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Ekundayo, explained that private operators had already paid for flight tickets and secured bookings for their clients, adding that no airline had communicated any additional charges.

A private tour operator who spoke anonymously also confirmed that fares for privately sponsored pilgrims had already been settled, making it unlikely for the fuel price increase to affect them at this stage.

However, aviation and Hajj stakeholders have warned that the situation could still impact overall operations if urgent intervention is not provided.

The National Coordinator of the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), Ibrahim Muhammad, said the sharp rise in Jet A1 prices could disrupt airlift arrangements unless both federal and state governments step in to cover the gap between earlier cost projections and current fuel prices.

He added that increasing Hajj fares at this stage would be difficult and could create further challenges for intending pilgrims.

Similarly, aviation stakeholders under the Concerned Aviation Stakeholders group warned that airlines may struggle to operate efficiently due to rising costs, stressing that without government support, the burden may eventually fall on pilgrims or the operators.

With the commencement of the 2026 Hajj airlift approaching, attention is now focused on the Federal Government’s response as NAHCON continues high-level negotiations to stabilize costs and prevent disruptions to the pilgrimage exercise.

Jet A1 Crisis: NAHCON Engages Presidency to Prevent Possible Increase in 2026 Hajj Fares

BREAKING: Gunmen Invade Ekiti Church Crusade, Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers

Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday evening in Eda Oniyo community, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, after suspected gunmen invaded an open-air church crusade, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the crusade ground on the outskirts of the community in large numbers, opening fire sporadically and causing worshippers to flee in different directions.

Multiple community sources said the armed men operated for several minutes before whisking away an unspecified number of victims into a nearby forest.

“This evening, gunmen invaded a church around the outskirts of Eda Oniyo during a programme. They abducted several worshippers, including elderly persons and children,” one source said.

“They shot the pastor and took the worshippers into the forest. They came in large numbers and were heavily armed.”

The slain cleric was said to be the officiating pastor of the crusade, while other worshippers were reportedly injured during the attack.

Although the exact number of abducted persons is yet to be confirmed, residents said the incident has thrown the entire community into panic and fear.

READ ALSO:

• EFCC Chairman Says 6 Out Of 10 University Students Are Into Cybercrime
• Uganda Arrests 231 Foreign Nationals Including Nigerians In Cybercrime Crackdown
• Why I Attacked Female Police Officers With Baton — Suspect

A resident described the attack as sudden and coordinated, noting that the gunmen operated without resistance before fleeing into the surrounding bush paths with their victims.

A top government official and member of the state’s security committee, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed the incident and said security operatives had already been deployed to the area.

According to the official, combined teams of police officers, local security outfits and vigilantes have begun a search-and-rescue operation in nearby forests to locate the abducted worshippers and track the attackers.

“Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped in Eda Oniyo today. Security agencies are already involved. Operatives have been deployed and are on the trail of the attackers,” the source said.

The official added that the government is working to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.

Meanwhile, attempts to obtain an official reaction from the Ekiti State Police Command were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, were not returned at the time of filing this report.

The attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted rural communities, highways, and gatherings, including religious events.

Security analysts have warned that isolated communities and open-air religious gatherings remain vulnerable due to limited surveillance and delayed emergency response times.

Residents of Eda Oniyo and neighbouring communities have called for urgent deployment of more security personnel to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the area.

As of press time, authorities had not released the exact number of abducted worshippers, while search operations were ongoing in surrounding forested areas.

BREAKING: Gunmen Invade Ekiti Church Crusade, Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers

EFCC Chairman Says 6 Out Of 10 University Students Are Into Cybercrime

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised fresh concern over the growing involvement of Nigerian university students in cybercrime, warning that internet fraud is becoming deeply rooted within the country’s higher institutions.

Olukoyede made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) held in Kano State.

The conference focused on strengthening university administration, financial accountability and the integration of emerging technologies into tertiary education management.

Addressing participants at the event, the EFCC chairman said recent findings by the anti-graft agency revealed an alarming rise in the number of students involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”

“My research in the last one year has shown that about six out of 10 students in our universities are into cybercrime. It is a very disturbing situation,” Olukoyede said.

According to him, many suspects arrested during recent EFCC operations across the country were discovered to be undergraduates from different institutions.

He stressed that the problem is widespread and no longer limited to a few campuses, warning that organised cybercrime networks are increasingly recruiting young people within universities.

Olukoyede linked the growing trend to weak institutional monitoring systems, poor accountability structures and societal obsession with quick wealth.

READ ALSO:

• Uganda Arrests 231 Foreign Nationals Including Nigerians In Cybercrime Crackdown
• Why I Attacked Female Police Officers With Baton — Suspect
• House of Reps Push for 18-Month Extension on Reassignment of Inactive Phone Numbers

The EFCC chairman also revealed that investigations uncovered cases where proceeds from internet fraud were allegedly used to compromise academic processes and influence officials within some institutions.

According to him, some lecturers and school personnel have allegedly been bribed by students involved in cybercrime, a development he described as a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

He warned that allowing corruption and criminality to thrive within universities could damage the integrity of future professionals and national institutions.

“A university that lacks financial accountability cannot credibly train future professionals. The integrity of our universities is a matter of national security,” he stated.

Olukoyede cited the EFCC’s major operation in Lagos in December 2024 during which 792 suspected cyber fraudsters were arrested in a large-scale raid linked to online scam syndicates.

According to him, investigations from that operation exposed the level of organisation and sophistication now associated with cybercrime networks operating in Nigeria.

The EFCC boss further raised alarm over the increasing spread of “Yahoo Plus,” a dangerous form of internet fraud associated with ritual practices and spiritual manipulation.

He described the trend as deeply troubling and called for urgent national intervention to prevent further moral decline among young Nigerians.

Olukoyede urged university authorities to strengthen internal control mechanisms, improve student monitoring systems and collaborate more closely with security agencies to curb cybercrime on campuses.

He also advocated for wider adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in university administration, particularly in payroll management, procurement systems, financial auditing and academic monitoring.

According to him, AI-powered systems can help institutions detect suspicious financial activities, identify irregular salary payments and improve transparency in governance processes.

The EFCC chairman disclosed that the anti-corruption agency has already begun deploying artificial intelligence tools for digital investigations, financial intelligence gathering and cybercrime tracking operations.

He added that the commission would continue expanding the use of technology in combating corruption, financial crimes and online fraud across the country.

Olukoyede’s comments come amid rising concern over the increasing number of young Nigerians being arrested for internet fraud and related cyber offences in different parts of the country.

Security experts and education stakeholders have repeatedly warned that the glamorisation of luxury lifestyles, social media pressure and unemployment are contributing to the growing attraction of cybercrime among youths.

EFCC Chairman Says 6 Out Of 10 University Students Are Into Cybercrime