Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Yahaya Zango, a wanted bandit, at the Hajj Camp in Abuja as he attempted to disguise himself as a pilgrim bound for Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
Zango, long on the radar of security agencies for his alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping across northern Nigeria, was caught during routine screening of intending pilgrims.
According to Daily Trust, sources revealed that the suspect was intercepted on Sunday while trying to board a bus with other pilgrims headed to the airport. The arrest followed credible intelligence that prompted heightened surveillance and internal vetting within the camp.
“Upon close monitoring and verification, the suspect’s identity was uncovered and he was taken into custody without resistance,” a source confirmed.
Zango is currently in DSS custody undergoing interrogation, with ongoing investigations aimed at exposing the full extent of his criminal network.
Other Suspects Linked to Banditry Listed for Hajj
In a further twist, sources disclosed that four other individuals allegedly connected to high-profile banditry were also listed to travel through the Abuja International Airport for the 2025 Hajj.
- Three of them were reportedly arrested upon arrival at the Hajj camp.
- One was controversially released under unclear circumstances.
Among the individuals linked to the criminal network are:
- Madele, father of infamous bandit leader Ado Aliero,
- Bello Bazamfare,
- A woman identified as the mother of notorious bandit Gwaska Dankarami, and
- A sibling of Ado Aliero.
As of press time, the DSS has not released an official statement regarding the arrests.
This incident underscores the deepening security crisis in Nigeria, where criminal elements continue to exploit loopholes even in religious pilgrimages to evade justice.
