By Uzair Adam
A Nigerian pilgrim participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise has died in Muzdalifah shortly after arriving from Arafat during the early hours of Wednesday.
The deceased, believed to be from Bauchi State, reportedly collapsed during the overnight movement of pilgrims between the two holy sites.
Witnesses said Saudi security personnel and emergency medical officials swiftly evacuated the pilgrim from the area after the incident.
He was seen being wheeled away by security officers alongside members of the emergency response team.
Two officials attached to the Bauchi State pilgrims contingent were also present during the evacuation.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not officially confirmed the identity of the deceased, while the cause of death remained unknown pending an official statement.
The incident occurred during one of the most physically demanding stages of the Hajj pilgrimage, as millions of pilgrims move between holy sites amid large crowds and intense weather conditions.
Thousands of Nigerian pilgrims had earlier arrived in Muzdalifah after observing the Day of Arafat, regarded as the spiritual climax of the annual pilgrimage.
