Security Operatives Arrest Wanted Kidnapper at Hajj Camps in Abuja and Sokoto
Abuja and Sokoto, May 18-19, 2025 – Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two high-profile suspected kidnappers during routine screening of intending pilgrims at Hajj camps in Abuja and Sokoto, just as the suspects were preparing to depart Nigeria for the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Details of the Arrests
The suspects, identified as Yahaya Yakubu (also known as Yahaya Zango) from Paikon-Kore village in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Sani Aliyu Galadi (alias Mai Boxer) from Zamfara State, were apprehended by vigilant DSS officers who recognized them during the screening process.
- Yahaya Zango was arrested at the Abuja Hajj camp after presenting his passport alongside other Muslim pilgrims. He had been on the security agencies’ radar for over a year due to his alleged involvement in multiple kidnapping incidents around the FCT and environs.
- Sani Aliyu Galadi, believed to be responsible for a series of armed bandit attacks in the Sokoto-Zamfara axis, was arrested nearly 750 kilometers away at the Sokoto Hajj camp and subsequently flown to Abuja for further investigation.
Both suspects were unaware that security operatives were still actively pursuing them. The arrests came as part of a covert operation leveraging intelligence and meticulous screening at pilgrimage camps nationwide.
Official Confirmations and Reactions
An official from the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed the arrests, while security sources highlighted the precision and diligence of the DSS operatives in preventing the suspects from escaping under the guise of religious pilgrimage.
Bashir Ahmad, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, commended the security operatives for the successful arrests, describing them as a testament to the commitment of Nigerian security agencies to combating crime.
Broader Security Context
Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including kidnapping and banditry, particularly in the Northwest and North-Central regions. The use of pilgrimage travel as a cover for fleeing suspects has been a concern for security agencies, prompting heightened vigilance during the Hajj season.
The arrests underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling security threats.
Current Status
Both suspects are currently detained at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing. Authorities have assured the public that justice will be pursued diligently to curb the menace of kidnapping and banditry.
