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.
According to Daily Trust, Galadi was arrested around 11:15am during a routine screening exercise for intending pilgrims at the Hajj terminal. Security fources said the suspect had been under surveillance by intelligence officers before his arrest.
A top-ranking security official confirmed the arrest. “Yes, one Galadi was arrested today at the terminal when undergoing final screening before departure for Saudi Arabia,” the source disclosed.
The arrest of Galadi came less than 24 hours after another kidnap kingpin, who had been declared wanted for alleged involvement in high-profile kidnappings across Kogi State and Abuja, was apprehended at the Hajj camp in Abuja.
While questions have been raised about how such suspects manage to obtain travel documents and clear multiple security layers undetected, the DSS source deferred responsibility. “You can find out from those agencies,” he said, referring to the passport and immigration authorities.
The source added, “What I know is that Galadi has been taken into custody and he’s providing necessary answers to questions. He will have his day in court when the investigation is completed.”
As of Tuesday morning, there was no official reaction to the development by either the State government or any concerned security agency.
