By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested another suspected kidnap kingpin, Sani Galadi, at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, while he was preparing to travel for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Galadi was apprehended around 11:15 am on Monday during a security screening exercise at the Hajj terminal of the airport. Sources said he was placed under surveillance by intelligence officers before being intercepted as he attempted to board his flight to Saudi Arabia.
This development comes barely 24 hours after another wanted kidnap suspect was arrested at the Hajj camp in Abuja. The suspect, who had been on the radar of security agencies for alleged involvement in kidnappings across Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was also heading to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.
A top security source, who confirmed the Sokoto arrest to Daily Trust, said the DSS was intensifying efforts to track down high-profile criminals, particularly those attempting to evade justice under the guise of religious travel.
“Yes, one Galadi was arrested today at the terminal during final screening before departure to Saudi Arabia,” the source said.
On how Galadi was able to obtain international travel documents despite being under watch, the source noted: “You can find out that from those agencies. What I know is that Galadi has been taken into custody and is providing answers to critical questions. He will have his day in court once investigations are concluded.”
As of the time of filing this report Monday evening, efforts to reach the DSS spokesperson for official comments were unsuccessful as calls to the agency’s contact lines went unanswered.
The DSS has recently stepped up covert operations aimed at flushing out individuals linked to organized crimes, particularly those exploiting religious or cross-border travel to escape law enforcement dragnet.