Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended another suspected bandit and kidnap kingpin, identified as Sani Galadi, during the screening of intending pilgrims at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto.
According to reports, Galadi was arrested on Monday after being trailed by operatives to the airport, where he was attempting to join other pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
The arrest comes just 24 hours after a similar operation at the Hajj camp in Abuja, where another suspect, Yahaya Zango allegedly linked to multiple cases of kidnapping in Abuja and Kogi State was also arrested by security forces, including the DSS.
Security officials confirmed that both suspects are believed to be part of a broader criminal network involved in violent crimes across northern Nigeria.
The arrests come amid ongoing airlift operations by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which completed the departure of pilgrims from four states on May 12. Over 64,000 Nigerians are expected to participate in this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
These incidents have raised fresh concerns over the infiltration of criminal elements into national religious gatherings, and the potential for security threats during high-profile events.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in violent attacks, particularly in the North, where banditry and kidnapping have intensified. Even military installations have not been spared in recent months.
In response to the growing insecurity, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, announced last Friday that the military has procured new equipment to bolster its counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts.
Authorities are yet to release official statements detailing the charges against the arrested suspects, but sources indicate that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow as the Hajj season progresses.
