Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies for their well-coordinated efforts in providing security cover for the Nigerian Hajj contingent during the 2026 Hajj.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, IHR said the surveillance operation mapped out to ensure the safe movement of over 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims within Nigeria and outside the country needs to be commended.
“Hajj activities involve serious pilgrims’ movements within Nigeria – from their houses to pilgrims’ orientation centres, to Hajj camps, transiting between States to depart from airports located in other States, including landing and boarding from over 14 embarkation points across the country.
“The combined presence and participation of veiled security personnel contributed a lot in carrying out these activities without any serious incident throughout the 2026 Hajj period”, IHR said.
It will be recalled that Independent Hajj Reporters had given awards of recognition to the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Immigration Service during its post-Hajj lectures, which were held in 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively, for their exceptional service during Hajj operations.
The CSO urged security agencies to sustain their ongoing intelligence gathering and rigorous screening of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to prevent terrorists and other wanted persons from exploiting pilgrimage arrangements to travel abroad.
The recent arrest of some security-risk individuals in Katsina after their arrival is a product of sustained surveillance and coordination. We urge security agencies to maintain the tempo.
E- sign
Ibrahim Muhammad
For Independent Hajj Reporters
4th July 2026
