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Saudi Crown Prince Hosts Hajj Reception for 1.7M Pilgrims, Muslim Leaders in Mina

Published

5 months ago

May 29, 2026

Saudi Crown Prince Hosts Hajj Reception for 1.7M Pilgrims, Muslim Leaders in Mina

MINA, Saudi Arabia – On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman hosted the Kingdom’s annual post-Hajj reception for heads of state, senior officials, Islamic figures, and leaders of Hajj delegations at the Royal Court in Mina Palace on Thursday . The reception, a long-standing tradition during the Hajj season, brought together distinguished guests from across the Islamic world to celebrate Eid Al-Adha and acknowledge Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to serving pilgrims and caring for the holy sites .

The attendees included leaders and senior representatives of several Muslim-majority countries, as well as participants in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques guest program, and officials involved in the organization of the Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported . Among the high-level guests were Albanian President Bajram Begaj, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yilmaz, Vice President of the Maldives Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Mauritania Mokhtar Ould Djay, Prime Minister of Guinea Amadou Oury Bah, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani . The reception also included royal family members, Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan, senior scholars and sheikhs, high-level guests from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, ministers, commanders of military sectors participating in Hajj operations, and leaders of Saudi scouting groups serving pilgrims .

In a speech delivered during the event, the Crown Prince congratulated Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and said Saudi Arabia would continue its longstanding commitment to serving pilgrims and caring for the holy sites . “God has honored the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the care of the Two Holy Mosques and the sacred sites and the service of their visitors,” he said . “We affirm that, with God’s help and guidance, we will continue the blessed efforts exerted by the kings of the Kingdom since the era of King Abdulaziz ,” he added . The Crown Prince also praised the efforts of military and security personnel in safeguarding pilgrims and protecting Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty amid regional tensions, describing their work as a source of pride and appreciation . He thanked members of the military, security sectors, government agencies, and volunteers for their service to pilgrims and for ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the Hajj season, praying for the nation’s security and stability.

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Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah highlighted the sheer scale of preparations for this year’s pilgrimage, which involved coordination between more than 60 government entities under the supervision of the Supreme Hajj Committee . Al-Rabiah said authorities had expanded the range of digital services available to pilgrims through the official Nusuk platform, which now provides more than 130 services related to visas, permits, and other pilgrimage arrangements . He noted that direct contracting was opened for pilgrim affairs offices in a competitive environment among qualified national companies, with applications for more than one million pilgrims processed more than six months before the start of Hajj—a historic achievement reflecting the high level of readiness and early preparation to serve the pilgrims .

More than 173,000 flights carrying pilgrims from 366 destinations arrived in the run-up to Hajj, Al-Rabiah added, while more than 5,300 trips were made on the Haramain train and more than 2,000 trips on the Al-Mashaer train, with more than 24,000 buses involved in transporting pilgrims . He also noted that more than 8 million cubic meters of water were provided in Makkah and the holy sites, and the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites implemented more than 25 development projects . Saudi authorities also implemented extensive health and infrastructure measures during the pilgrimage, including expanded hospital bed capacity, with Mina Emergency Hospital 2 increasing its capacity by 100 percent this year to reach 400 beds, along with upgrades to electricity and water networks in Makkah and at the holy sites .

The Crown Prince’s reception concluded with a luncheon banquet hosted in honor of the guests . In a post on the X platform, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said he was “honored to meet Crown Prince Mohammed at the annual reception at the Mina Palace” . He added that he conveyed to the Crown Prince the greetings of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressing Syria’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving the Hajj pilgrims and praising the warm welcome accorded to Syrian pilgrims . The presence of Syrian officials marked a significant moment, reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Damascus following the resumption of ties after years of estrangement .

The reception came as Saudi Arabia hosted more than 1.7 million pilgrims during Hajj 2026, one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings . According to data released by the General Authority for Statistics, the total number of pilgrims stood at 1,707,310, marking an increase of 34,071, or 2.04 percent, compared with 1,673,230 pilgrims in the previous year . Among these, 1,546,655 pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom, while 160,646 were Saudi citizens or residents . Pilgrims from abroad represented 165 different nationalities . More than 441,000 personnel, including security forces, healthcare workers, transport coordinators, and emergency response teams, were deployed to support Hajj operations and oversee pilgrim safety throughout the season .

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Speakers at the reception praised Saudi Arabia’s management of Hajj and its efforts to improve services for pilgrims under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda for reforms, development, and diversification, the Saudi Press Agency added . Officials have credited expanded infrastructure projects, digital services, and enhanced crowd-management systems for improving pilgrim movement between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah . Authorities also expanded the Makkah Route Initiative this year, allowing pilgrims to complete immigration and customs procedures in their home countries before departure, with nearly 389,000 pilgrims using the program, an increase of almost 24 percent from last year .

Saudi Arabia’s health system delivered more than 1.2 million healthcare services to pilgrims since the start of the Hajj season through the 10th of Dhu Al-Hijjah, according to the Ministry of Health spokesperson . The data showed that 49,931 beneficiaries received services through healthcare and urgent care centers, while emergency departments handled 41,782 cases. Outpatient clinics received 14,501 visits, and 4,901 patients were admitted to hospitals. The data also showed that 29 open-heart surgeries, 251 catheterization procedures, and 337 various surgical operations were carried out. Moreover, medical teams responded immediately to 466 cases of heat exhaustion, and the unified call center (937) received more than 1,082,628 calls . The Ministry of Health had also vaccinated over 1.5 million pilgrims against meningitis and other infectious diseases as part of preventive health measures .

Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami delivered a speech on behalf of the military sectors participating in Hajj, noting that Saudi Arabia has made serving the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims a core national mission since its establishment, supported continuously by the Kingdom’s leadership . He said the successful implementation of Hajj security plans under the directives of King Salman and the direct support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has improved compliance with Hajj regulations and enhanced the quality of security and service operations .

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah attended the reception and conveyed greetings from Kuwait’s leadership to King Salman and the Crown Prince, praising Saudi Arabia’s organization of the Hajj season and the advanced services that enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and security . The guests expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praising the Kingdom’s care for pilgrims and improvements in organization and services across the holy sites during Hajj. They noted that the Kingdom sets a global model in crowd management and pilgrim services, commending the hospitality and care they received from arrival until completing their rituals.

Saudi Crown Prince Hosts Hajj Reception for 1.7M Pilgrims, Muslim Leaders in Mina

Related Topics:Hajj Reception Muslim leaders Pilgrims

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Lagos Sanitation: Wahab’s Unexpected Message to Every Lagos Household

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Five Injured as 40-Foot Truck Rams Two Buses on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Published

4 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Five Injured as 40-Foot Truck Rams Two Buses on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Five people have sustained serious injuries after a 40-foot truck crashed into two commercial buses around Ojodu-Berger on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Lagos State.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, near the Berger Pedestrian Bridge, inward Kara Bridge, causing significant traffic congestion along the busy highway.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the truck, identified as a 40-foot HOWO vehicle, collided with an interstate commercial Mazda bus and a Toyota Hiace bus, both carrying passengers.

According to the agency, its operatives stationed around the Ojodu-Berger axis responded to the crash and rescued five seriously injured people, comprising three women and two men, including a driver.

The victims were taken to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre at Toll Gate for medical assessment and treatment. Motorists assisted in transporting the injured, accompanied by LASTMA officials, while police officers from the Isheri Division also supported the rescue operation.

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The collision triggered a traffic backlog extending towards Otedola Bridge, disrupting movement along the expressway, which connects Lagos with Ogun State and other parts of the South-West.

LASTMA officials managed traffic around the affected area and worked to remove the damaged vehicles from the carriageway to prevent further incidents and restore normal movement.

The vehicles involved, including the truck, were subsequently handed over to the police for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The precise cause of the collision had not been established in the available reports.

LASTMA urged operators of heavy-duty vehicles to ensure their trucks were properly maintained and roadworthy before travelling. The agency also advised drivers to observe speed limits, comply with traffic regulations and follow instructions from traffic officials, particularly along busy highways.

The incident adds to a series of serious road crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles reported on Lagos roads in recent weeks, renewing concerns about vehicle safety and the risks posed by collisions involving trucks and passenger buses.

Motorists travelling through Ojodu-Berger, Kara Bridge and the Otedola axis were advised to exercise caution and anticipate delays while traffic officials managed the aftermath of the crash.

Five Injured as 40-Foot Truck Rams Two Buses on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

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VIDEO: Outrage as Indian National Assaults Nigerian Truck Drivers in Lagos

Published

12 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Trends Admin

VIDEO: Outrage as Indian National Assaults Nigerian Truck Drivers in Lagos

A viral video showing an Indian national allegedly assaulting two Nigerian truck drivers at a company’s premises along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has sparked outrage, with transport stakeholders demanding justice and calling for an investigation.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, around Km 12 of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the old Ratcoc Quarry. The footage circulated widely on social media on Monday, October 12.

The two transport workers were identified as Rilwan Olajide, a truck driver, and Taiwo Yinusa, his motor boy. The video appears to show a confrontation between the drivers and individuals at the company’s premises, with the disagreement reportedly involving truck keys and a demand for demurrage compensation.

The situation allegedly escalated when a man identified in media reports as an Indian national struck one of the drivers with a stick. Another worker appeared to be restrained by other individuals and kicked while on the ground.

However, the full circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear, and the allegations have yet to be conclusively established.

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) condemned the alleged assault, describing the reported treatment of the workers as unacceptable. The association said the available video footage and other materials raised concerns about the alleged involvement of individuals connected with the company.

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AMATO stressed that disagreements over payments, truck keys or other commercial matters should be resolved through lawful means rather than violence or intimidation. It also emphasised that every person in Nigeria is entitled to dignity and protection under the law, regardless of nationality or occupation.

The association called on the relevant police authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, preserve available evidence and identify everyone involved. It urged the authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

AMATO also appealed to the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate with investigators and take appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence. It maintained that accountability should be based on the actions of individuals and should not be used to stigmatise Indian nationals generally.

In a separate response, the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC) reportedly directed truck owners and drivers to suspend the delivery and collection of consignments to and from the company pending further action over the incident.

The directive could affect cargo movement involving the company while transport operators await the outcome of efforts to address the allegations. LASTCOC also warned that operators who disregarded the directive could face sanctions.

The reported suspension underscores the growing tension between transport stakeholders and the company following the circulation of the video.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety and treatment of Nigerian truck drivers and motor boys, who play a critical role in moving goods across the country. Transport stakeholders have insisted that workplace and commercial disputes must be handled through established procedures, with violence and intimidation investigated and addressed appropriately.

As of the latest available reports, there was no confirmed public announcement of an arrest or a formal police finding on the incident. The company’s response was also not available. The allegations therefore remain subject to investigation, and the responsibility of each person involved must be determined through due process.

VIDEO: Outrage as Indian National Assaults Nigerian Truck Drivers in Lagos

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$1bn Arms Fund: Buratai Challenges Defence Ministry to Account for Money

Published

13 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.)

$1bn Arms Fund: Buratai Challenges Defence Ministry to Account for Money

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has challenged the Ministry of Defence to explain how the $1 billion approved for military equipment procurement during his tenure was spent, insisting that neither he nor the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force handled the funds.

Buratai made the demand on Monday at the third conference of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja, where he called for greater transparency in Nigeria’s defence spending and accountability for public funds allocated to national security.

The retired army chief said the National Economic Council (NEC) approved the $1 billion for defence procurement, but the money was released to the Ministry of Defence, which he said managed the procurement process.

“Not a single dollar of that fund passed through my hands or through the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force,” Buratai said.

He maintained that the armed services did not receive any portion of the money to initiate procurement directives, arguing that responsibility for explaining how the funds were disbursed and which contracts were awarded rested with the ministry that managed them.

Buratai described allegations surrounding the money as “political and malicious”, saying they first emerged during the 2019 general election period, when opposition figures alleged that the funds had been diverted for political purposes.

According to him, the Federal Government publicly denied the allegation at the time, but the controversy continued to damage the reputations of military service chiefs.

He faulted the Ministry of Defence for failing to publicly provide a detailed account of the disbursements and contract awards, insisting that accountability should rest with the institution responsible for managing the funds.

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“The $1 billion arms procurement controversy festered because the institution that managed the funds, the Ministry of Defence, remained silent while Service Chiefs absorbed criticism,” he said.

Buratai called for the establishment of a Defence Procurement Transparency Portal to publish information on contracts awarded, contractors and delivery timelines, subject to legitimate national security restrictions.

He said the proposed platform would help the public understand how defence procurement funds were utilised without exposing sensitive operational information.

“When the media asks where the money went, the answer should come from the ministry that spent it, not from military officers who never touched it,” he said.

The former army chief also called for quarterly accountability bulletins summarising court-martial outcomes involving alleged human rights violations and operational misconduct.

He said such disclosures should protect the rights of accused personnel and avoid compromising ongoing military operations.

On allegations of human rights violations by security personnel, Buratai said credible complaints should be investigated and prosecuted where evidence substantiated wrongdoing.

“The military is not above the law,” he said, stressing the need for transparent disciplinary procedures capable of addressing misconduct at all levels.

At the same conference, former Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmad Lawan, called for more predictable funding for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

Lawan proposed dedicating a portion of national revenue to defence and security spending, alongside making military and security agency budgets a first-line charge to reduce delays in releasing funds.

He argued that troops could not be expected to achieve better operational results without adequate weapons, equipment and other resources.

Lawan said the National Assembly had consistently supported executive requests for security funding, adding that improved funding arrangements could help the military procure equipment in bulk and plan operations more effectively.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said military force alone could not resolve Nigeria’s security challenges.

Idris, represented by Voice of Nigeria Director-General Jibrin Ndace, said military operations needed to be supported by reliable intelligence, modern technology, coordination among security agencies and cooperation with local communities.

He said the Federal Government was pursuing military modernisation, improved surveillance and intelligence-led operations to address terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

Idris also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan in August 2026.

According to the minister, the initiatives were intended to establish security priorities, improve coordination and guide the deployment of resources.

He said the President had also approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel, effective September 2026, to recognise their sacrifices and improve welfare.

Idris urged journalists to verify information and report responsibly on security operations, while emphasising that responsible reporting should not shield the government or security agencies from scrutiny.

He said the media must continue asking difficult questions and holding public institutions accountable while respecting legitimate operational sensitivities.

Buratai’s demand has renewed attention on the management of the $1 billion defence procurement fund, with the former army chief insisting that the Ministry of Defence should provide an account of how the money was spent. His remarks do not, on their own, establish that the funds were misappropriated.