DSS arrests another kidnap kingpin during Hajj screening

In a major breakthrough for Nigerian security forces, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, Sani Galadi, at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto.

Galadi was intercepted around 11:15 a.m. on Monday during a screening exercise at the Hajj terminal, where he was preparing to board a flight to Saudi Arabia. According to sources, DSS intelligence officers had been trailing him before making the arrest at the terminal designated for Muslim pilgrims.

The arrest is the second of its kind in under 24 hours, following the apprehension of another wanted kidnap kingpin at the Hajj camp in Abuja. Both suspects were reportedly attempting to flee the country under the guise of joining the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Security agencies had earlier declared Abuja kingpin wanted following his alleged involvement in some kidnappings within Kogi and Abuja.

Confirming Sokoto’s arrest to our correspondent, a highly-placed source within security agencies said the intelligence officers were on a covert operations to rid the country of heinous crimes and criminalities.

“Yes, one Galadi was arrested today at the terminal when undergoing final screening before departure for the Saudi Arabi,” the source confided in Daily Trust.

When asked how such a person obtained necessary documents like passport and other documents at different agencies, the official said “you can find out that from those agencies”.

He 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”.

Calls to the official phone contacts of the secret police were yet to connect as at when filing this report Monday evening.

(DailyTrust)