By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation that monitors and reporters of Hajj activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has called on the federal government to provide maximum security at Hajj Camps and airports.

IHR in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Mohammed Ibrahim, on Sunday, called for all inclusive and coordinated security architecture to secure pilgrims Hajj camps across the country.

This is following the announcement of the commencement of airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2022.

According to the CSO, the call became necessary in view of the fact that most Hajj camps are located outside city centres compelling pilgrims to travel a few kilometers to the camps and airports.

“As Nigeria prepare to airlift about 43, 000 pilgrims through about 12 embarkation points, we plead and urge the Federal government to provide round the clock security at Hajj camps and Airports that serves as embarkation points for Nigerian pilgrims.

“We urge the Federal Government to raise the baseline for Hajj camps and Airport security in pilgrims embarkation points by putting in place strengthened security measures, both seen and unseen,” the statement added.

Airlift of pilgrims consists of the first phase when pilgrims will be airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and second phase when pilgrims will be airlifted back to Nigeria.

In view of the current security challenges, the CSO called on NAHCON, States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Security agencies, local security outfits, and other well intended individuals to collaborate to enhance the security of pilgrims throughout the Hajj Period.

IHR also called on NAHCON to liaise with the Heads of Various Security agencies like the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air staff, Director of State Security Service, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and local security outfits to form an effective synergy towards providing security for pilgrims across the country.

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