The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation (CSO), has called on state governments to strengthen and coordinate security arrangements for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 hajj exercise.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ibrahim Muhammad, national coordinator of IHR, said the appeal had become necessary in view of emerging security concerns, urging authorities to adopt proactive measures to prevent potential threats to pilgrims.
Mohammad stressed the need for proper monitoring of pilgrims’ movement from their homes to orientation centres, transit camps and embarkation points, noting that many of them travel across states for departure.
He urged state governments to work closely with security agencies to establish coordinated teams that would ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout the pre-hajj period.
The coordinator also advised state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards to sensitise intending pilgrims on basic security measures, including identifying threats and complying with guidelines issued by Saudi authorities, particularly on the dangers of sharing unverified security information.
Citing past incidents, he recalled the arrest of suspected bandits at hajj camps during the 2025 pilgrimage, warning that such occurrences must be prevented in future exercises.
He further cautioned pilgrims against moving in large groups with non-travelling family members, noting that such practices could expose them to avoidable security risks.
