Second kidnap kingpin Arrested en route to Hajj

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday apprehended a suspected kidnap kingpin, identified as Sani Galadi, at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto.

Sources revealed that Galadi was arrested around 11:15 a.m. during a screening exercise for intending pilgrims at the airport’s Hajj terminal. He had been under surveillance by intelligence officers before being taken into custody.

His arrest comes less than 24 hours after another wanted kidnap kingpin was captured at the Hajj camp in Abuja while preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia. The suspect had been declared wanted for alleged involvement in a series of kidnappings across Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory.

A senior security official confirmed Galadi’s arrest, noting that the operation was part of ongoing covert efforts to eliminate violent crime and criminal networks across the country.

“Yes, Galadi was arrested during final screening before his departure to Saudi Arabia,” the official stated.

When questioned about how Galadi was able to obtain travel documents despite being on the radar of security agencies, the source replied, “That’s a question for the relevant agencies.”

The official added that Galadi is now in custody and cooperating with investigators. “He will have his day in court once the investigation is concluded,” he said.