ISWAP Arrests Spur IHR’s Call for Central Database to Screen High-Risk Hajj Pilgrims
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO —- The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to establish a centralised digital database for screening intending pilgrims following the recent arrest of suspected commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) .
The faith-based civil society organisation said a technology-driven screening system would enable Hajj authorities to identify and prevent individuals with criminal or extremist links from participating in the pilgrimage.
The recommendation was contained in a statement signed by IHR National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, and made available to journalists on Monday.
According to the group, the proposed database should be integrated into NAHCON’s registration platform with permit-enabled synchronisation, allowing security agencies to detect risk indicators before visas are processed.
“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,” the statement said.
IHR said the proposal became imperative following the arrest of suspected ISWAP commanders, arguing that the incident exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s existing Hajj registration framework.
The organisation also recalled that security operatives arrested wanted criminal suspects at Hajj embarkation centres during the 2025 pilgrimage, insisting that the recurring incidents underscore the need for comprehensive background checks before pilgrims are cleared to travel.
“These incidents justify the need for thorough security screening of all intending pilgrims before the issuance of a visa every Hajj season,” it stated.
Beyond the central database, IHR called for compulsory pre-registration security screening for all intending pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj exercise.
It also proposed that NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards establish dedicated security screening committees to verify the profiles of intending pilgrims after they make the initial Hajj deposit but before completing 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,” the statement added.
While acknowledging the compressed registration timetable announced for the 2027 Hajj by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, IHR maintained that security considerations should not be sacrificed in the rush to meet deadlines.
“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 organisation said.
The group expressed confidence that the current leadership of NAHCON would give the recommendations serious consideration to ensure that Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah operations are not exploited by wanted criminals seeking to travel outside the country.