Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation promoting transparency and monitoring Hajj and Umrah operations, has called for the introduction of a mandatory pre-registration security screening for all intending Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
The group made the call in a statement signed on Monday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, and made available to journalists on Sunday.
According to IHR, the recent arrest of suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) underscores the urgent need to review Nigeria’s Hajj registration process.
“Pre-registration screening should be made compulsory for all intending pilgrims participating in the 2027 Hajj exercise,” the statement said.
The organisation proposed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards establish dedicated security screening committees to verify the profiles of intending pilgrims who have made the basic initial deposit before the final registration.
“NAHCON and the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards should create security screening committees that will visit states every two weeks to obtain the profiles of intending pilgrims and properly vet them to prevent a repeat of what recently happened in Katsina State,” it stated.
Creating a centralized automated database pilgrim registration system with NAHCON permit-enabled synchronisation will ensure security risk indicators that will allow Hajj authorities to sieve out individuals or groups with dubious mindsets, IHR added.
IHR recalled that some wanted criminal suspects were also arrested at Hajj embarkation points during the 2025 pilgrimage.
“These incidents justify the need for thorough security screening of all intending pilgrims before the issuance of a visa every Hajj season,” the organisation said.
While acknowledging the compressed registration timeline for the 2027 Hajj released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the group stressed that security considerations must not be compromised.
“We acknowledge the accelerated registration schedule for the 2027 Hajj and the need to fast-track the process. However, security must remain paramount in any exercise involving cross-border travel and the movement of large numbers of people,” the statement added.
IHR expressed confidence that the current leadership of NAHCON would give the recommendation due consideration.
“We hope the current leadership of NAHCON, which has so far demonstrated the capacity to effectively manage challenges, will give this proposal positive consideration to ensure that wanted criminals cannot exploit Hajj or Umrah operations as a means of travelling abroad,” the statement concluded.