SOKOTO, Nigeria — Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, May 19, 2025, arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, identified as Sani Galadi, at Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto.
The arrest took place at approximately 11:15 a.m. during a screening exercise at the Hajj terminal, as Galadi prepared to board a flight to Saudi Arabia.
Security sources confirmed that Galadi had been under surveillance and was intercepted during final screening before departure for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The arrest is the second in less than 24 hours involving a wanted kidnapping suspect attempting to leave the country via a Hajj route.
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, another alleged kidnap kingpin was detained at the Hajj camp in Abuja, reportedly linked to kidnapping activities in Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.
A senior security official who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity said the operation was part of a broader covert effort to dismantle criminal networks operating across Nigeria.
“Yes, one Galadi was arrested today at the terminal when undergoing final screening before departure for Saudi Arabia,” the official said.
When asked how Galadi was able to obtain a passport and other travel documentation despite being under suspicion, the official declined to comment on the oversight, instead referring inquiries to the relevant issuing agencies.
“You can find out that from those agencies,” he said.
“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 Monday evening, DSS spokespersons had not issued an official statement, and calls to the agency’s public contact lines were unanswered.
Galadi’s arrest is the latest in a series of operations targeting high-profile suspects allegedly involved in Nigeria’s persistent kidnapping crisis.
