DSS Arrests Two Notorious Kidnap Kingpins During Hajj Pilgrimage Screening in Abuja and Sokoto

 

In a bold and covert security move that stunned many, eagle-eyed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two high-profile individuals suspected to be among Nigeria’s most dangerous kidnap kingpins. The suspects were apprehended in a well-coordinated nationwide operation while attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

This development is a major breakthrough in Nigeria's ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping—a menace that has plagued various regions across the country, especially the North.

DSS Strikes at Hajj Camps: A Strategic and Silent Operation

According to reports first published by LIB and confirmed by various security sources, the Department of State Services carried out this mission in silence, using intelligence gathered over a long period to finally nab the suspects at two different Hajj camps.

One of the arrested suspects, Yahaya Yakubu, was captured at the Abuja Hajj camp during routine pre-departure screenings for pilgrims. Yahaya, a resident of Paikon-Kore village in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reportedly arrived at the camp like every other intending pilgrim. He presented his passport and other travel documents without any inkling that he was being closely monitored.

A source at the Hajj camp noted that the DSS operatives moved in quickly and professionally, whisking him away without causing panic among other pilgrims.

Almost simultaneously, over 750 kilometers away, another high-profile suspect, Sani Aliyu Galadi, was arrested at the Sokoto Hajj camp. Born in Zamfara State, Sani Aliyu, who also goes by the alias "Mai Boxer", was picked up quietly and transported to the DSS headquarters in Abuja.

Inside the Arrest: One-Year Surveillance Ends in Successful Capture

Sources close to the operation revealed that both Yahaya Yakubu and Sani Aliyu Galadi had been under DSS surveillance for over one year. Their movements, communications, and affiliations were being closely monitored. However, the DSS opted not to act until the suspects converged on the Hajj camps, offering a rare opportunity to arrest them without putting civilians at risk.

“Screening at Hajj camps in different parts of the country offered the operatives the opportunity to arrest them,” a DSS source disclosed.

The intelligence-led arrests were carried out with surgical precision, ensuring that the suspects had no idea what was coming. The covert nature of the operation helped prevent any potential escape or resistance.

Who Are the Suspects?

Yahaya Yakubu

Yahaya Yakubu is known to reside in Paikon-Kore village, a relatively quiet area in the Gwagwalada region of the FCT. Locals describe the community as peaceful, making it even more shocking that a suspected kidnapping kingpin was living among them undetected.

While DSS authorities have yet to release a full profile of Yahaya, multiple intelligence reports link him to several high-profile kidnapping incidents in the North Central region.

Sani Aliyu Galadi (aka Mai Boxer)

Perhaps the more dangerous of the two, Sani Aliyu Galadi—better known in security circles as Mai Boxer—is believed to be a key player in a syndicate that orchestrates violent bandit attacks and kidnappings in the Sokoto-Zamfara axis.

“Aliyu alias Mai Boxer, who is suspected to be responsible for attacks by bandits in the Sokoto-Zamfara axis, was oblivious of the fact that DSS officers were still on the lookout for them,” the security source said.

He was quietly flown from Sokoto to Abuja after his arrest, where he is currently being interrogated by DSS officials.

Hajj Camp Surveillance: A New Frontier in Nigeria’s Security Strategy?

The arrests raise important questions about how Nigeria’s security agencies are adapting to modern threats. It appears the DSS deliberately chose the Hajj period, knowing that many high-profile individuals travel during this time under the guise of religious obligation.

The move also indicates a shift in strategy—targeting suspects when they are most vulnerable and least likely to resist. Unlike raids or highway checkpoints, Hajj camps provide controlled environments with strict documentation and screening processes, making it easier to verify identities and execute arrests discreetly.

Public Reaction and Significance

The news of these arrests has sparked a wave of public reactions across Nigeria. Many citizens have praised the DSS for its professionalism and patience in gathering intelligence without making premature moves.

On social media, Nigerians applauded the operation, expressing relief that individuals believed to be behind numerous attacks and abductions were finally in custody. Others called for swift justice and thorough investigations to dismantle the broader networks they may belong to.

From a national security standpoint, this operation is a major win. It shows the DSS is not only reactive but proactive, capable of planning long-term surveillance operations and executing them with precision.

Implications for Pilgrimage Travel

While this operation has been widely applauded, it also signals a tightening of security protocols around pilgrimage travel. Pilgrimage camps—both for Hajj and Umrah—may now be under closer watch, especially with reports of criminals using them as exit points to flee the country.

This may lead to more intense screenings and a greater presence of security agencies at Hajj camps in future years. Intending pilgrims may need to prepare for longer checks and more rigorous vetting.

Conclusion: A Major Milestone in the Fight Against Insecurity

The arrest of Yahaya Yakubu and Sani Aliyu Galadi, two alleged kidnap kingpins, during the sacred journey of Hajj, sends a strong message: nowhere is safe for criminals—not even in religious pilgrimages.

This event highlights the growing sophistication of Nigeria’s intelligence agencies and their readiness to confront insecurity with strategic patience and precision.

As the DSS continues its interrogation of the suspects in Abuja, Nigerians await more revelations about their operations, associates, and possible political or financial backers.

NaijaRush will continue to follow this developing story and bring you verified updates as they unfold.