DSS arrests wanted kidnapper, Sani Galadi at Airport while boarding flight for 2025 Hajj

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested an alleged kidnapping mastermind, Sani Galadi, at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto as he prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that Galadi was apprehended during routine security screening at the Hajj terminal shortly before his scheduled departure.

According to a source who spoke to PUNCH, the arrest took place during final checks before boarding. Galadi is currently in custody and under investigation. Authorities say he will be formally charged once preliminary interrogations are concluded.

Faruk Umar, a senior official of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, confirmed the arrest but clarified that Galadi was not among the state’s registered pilgrims.

“I heard about the arrest as well. But I can confidently say the suspect is not from Sokoto; he is from Zamfara State,” Umar stated. “Sokoto pilgrims are not scheduled to travel today — only those from Zamfara are. Our next flight is tomorrow.”

Umar further explained that DSS screening is part of a joint agreement with state pilgrim boards to enhance the safety and integrity of Hajj operations.

This incident follows a similar arrest days earlier in Abuja, where security operatives detained another wanted kidnap suspect, Yahaya Zango. Zango, who was residing in the Paikon-Kore area of Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was nabbed during a security screening at the Hajj camp.

A security source told Daily Trust that Zango had been on the run following his alleged involvement in several kidnapping cases and was declared wanted by security agencies.

“He attempted to board a flight for Hajj using his international passport, blending in with other Muslim pilgrims,” the source said. “DSS operatives picked him up during the screening process at the camp.”

An official of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Abuja, who requested anonymity, also confirmed the arrest.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding either arrest.