Alhaji Abubakar Kaoje , the Sokoto Zonal Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said on Monday that a total of 3, 500 pilgrims from the zone had been transported to Saudi Arabia for this year's hajj. Kaoje told the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) in Sokoto that the pilgrims, who were directly flown to Medina, were from Sokoto and Zamfara states. He said that they were transported by Max airline from the Sultan Abubakar III, International Airport, Sokoto in seven flights. Kaoje said that about 2, 000 of those transported were from Zamfara while 1,500 were from Sokoto state. The coordinator commended intending pilgrims from the zone for their peaceful conduct during screening and departure procedures. He also commended the management of the airline for providing ultra-modern aircraft and keeping to schedule.