Hajj airlift: CSO calls for maximum security at camps, airports

Following the commencement of airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hajj 2022, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), an organisation that monitors and reports hajj activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has called on Federal Government to provide maximum security at the various camps and airports.

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

The statement said: “As Nigeria prepares 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 serve as embarkation points for Nigerian pilgrims.”

The group said the call became imperative in view of the fact that most camps are located outside city centres compelling pilgrims to travel a few kilometers to the camps and airports.

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

The first phase of airlifting is when pilgrims are airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and second phase when they are brought back home to Nigeria.

In view of the current security challenges, NAHCON, states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, security agencies, local security outfits and individuals that are associated with hajj should collaborate to enhance the security of pilgrims throughout the period, he said.

IHR specifically urged NAHCON to liaise with the heads of various security agencies service chiefs, 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.