By peterside Rejoice Eneky
In a coordinated security operation, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two suspected kidnap kingpins at Hajj camps in Abuja and Sokoto as they prepared to travel for the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The suspects, identified as Yahaya Yakubu and Sani Aliyu Galadi, had reportedly been on the DSS watchlist for over a year. According to security sources, their attempt to blend in with Muslim pilgrims during Hajj preparations provided the opportunity for their capture.
Yakubu, a resident of Paikon-Kore village in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was apprehended at the Abuja Hajj camp. Galadi, known by the alias “Mai Boxer” and hailing from Zamfara State, was arrested nearly 750 kilometers away at the Sokoto Hajj camp.
DSS personnel stationed at both locations identified the suspects during routine screening procedures for intending pilgrims. “Yakubu was arrested while presenting his passport during the verification process,” one security source revealed. “He was taken into custody on the spot without incident.”
Galadi is alleged to be involved in multiple armed bandit attacks across the Sokoto–Zamfara corridor, while Yakubu is believed to have masterminded several high-profile kidnappings around the FCT.
An official from the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrests. Galadi has been transported to DSS headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation and investigation.
The operation highlights the vigilance of Nigerian security agencies in tracking and intercepting criminal elements attempting to evade justice under the guise of religious activity. Further developments are expected as investigations continue.
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