Security forces have reportedly apprehended a wanted kidnapper at the Hajj camp in Abuja.
A source within the camp confirmed the arrest to our correspondent on Sunday. According to the source, the suspect was detained during the screening process for pilgrims preparing to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Zango, was said to reside in Paikon-Kore within the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The source indicated that security agencies had declared him wanted due to his alleged involvement in several kidnappings.
He revealed that the suspect presented his passport alongside other members of the Muslim contingent from Abuja who were en route to this year’s Hajj.
“It was this afternoon during the screening at the Hajj camp at the airport when the operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended him and took him away,” he stated.
A senior official at the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who wished to remain anonymous, also confirmed the suspect’s arrest.
Our correspondent learned that the suspect had been evading capture following a manhunt launched by security forces.
When contacted via text message, SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, remarked, “You mentioned the DSS, but I am the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command.”
As of the time of writing, the DSS has yet to officially respond to the incident.
Nigeria is currently grappling with one of its most severe security crises, with efforts to address the situation not yielding the desired results.
