By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance security coordination and safeguard the lives and well-being of pilgrims during Hajj operations.
The Director-General of the Board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo, FCFA, NFI, made the call when he led a delegation of the Board on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, Jigawa State Command.
According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Habibu Yusuf Babura, the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation between the two organisations, particularly in security arrangements, effective communication, information sharing and inter-agency coordination.
Labbo stressed the importance of putting in place robust and coordinated security measures to protect pilgrims, officials and other stakeholders throughout the Hajj operational process.
He said effective security coordination was essential to ensuring that pilgrims from Jigawa could perform their religious obligations in a safe and orderly environment.
The Director-General expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Tijjani Murtala, for receiving the delegation and acknowledged the support and cooperation the Command had consistently extended to the Board.
Responding, CP Tijjani Murtala commended the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board for its important role in coordinating the welfare and religious obligations of pilgrims from the state.
The Commissioner assured the delegation that the Police Command was ready to sustain close collaboration with the Board and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims and officials.
CP Murtala said the Command remained committed to providing professional, responsive and intelligence-led security services whenever its support was required.
He also emphasized the need for early planning, timely information sharing and coordinated security arrangements ahead of pilgrimage operations.
According to him, effective collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and other stakeholders remained critical to achieving a smooth, safe and successful Hajj operation.
The meeting ended with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to continued partnership, mutual support and effective coordination in the interest of public safety and the welfare of Jigawa State pilgrims.
