By SHAFII SANI MOHAMMED

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismaila Abba Yusuf, has inaugurated a 17-member Central Security Committee (CSC) for the 2026 Hajj operations in Abuja.

The committee is mandated to ensure security, safety, and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims during the onshore and off-shore phases of the 2026 Hajj operation.

Ambassador Yusuf urged members of the Committee to implement proactive, preventative strategies, including robust monitoring of departure centers to weed out undesirable persons, as well as prevent drug-related or human trafficking activities.

The Chairman advised members of the Committee to be vigilant and operate with the highest sense of duty and integrity, while ensuring that pilgrims get the best value for their money.

He advised the committee to work closely with security and intelligence Agencies on any matter with National security ramifications in order to safeguard pilgrims and check any potential damage to Nigeria’s reputation abroad.

The Head of the Committee, Ambassador Lawal Rabiu, thanked the Chairman/CEO for the confidence placed in the Committee and assured that members would work closely with relevant agencies to gather intelligence, coordinate operations and address potential security challenges.