Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a suspected notorious bandit and kidnapper in Sokoto amid the screening of intending Muslim pilgrims.
The suspect, known as Sani Galadi, was taken into custody on Monday at Sultan Abubakar International Airport after being closely monitored by the operatives. This arrest follows the capture of another suspected bandit, Yahaya Zango, just a day earlier at the hajj camp in Abuja, who is linked to numerous kidnapping incidents in both Abuja and Kogi.
A source from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed that Zango was arrested during the pilgrim screening on Sunday. NAHCON has recently completed the airlift of intending pilgrims from four states to Saudi Arabia, with a total of 64,188 Nigerians expected to participate in this year’s pilgrimage.
As violent attacks rise in northern Nigeria, military installations have also been targeted. Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa announced on Friday that the military has acquired new equipment to bolster efforts against growing insecurity, including the resurgence of insurgent attacks.
