JUST IN: Tinubu arrives in Saudi Arabia for Umrah

…. To offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, development

… Commissions five NAF helicopters, Presidential Air Fleet hangar before departure

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday for a religious visit during which he will perform Umrah, the Lesser Hajj, in Makkah, The Nation Newspapers reported.

The President, expected back in Nigeria next week, will pray for the country’s peace, unity, stability, and continued development.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, received him at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

Tinubu departed from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a ceremony attended by state governors and senior government officials.

Before leaving, the President commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters to bolster military operations against terrorism and other security threats.

The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Augusta 109 Trekker B helicopters.

He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the airport.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the trip on Wednesday, saying it would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria.