Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested an alleged notorious bandit and kidnapper in Sokoto during the screening of intending Muslim pilgrims.

According to Daily Trust, the suspect, identified as Sani Galadi, was arrested on Monday at Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, after he was trailed by the operatives.

The arrest comes about 24 hours after security forces nabbed a suspected bandit and kidnapper at the hajj camp in Abuja.

A source at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) told TheCable that the suspect, identified as Yahaya Zango, is linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in Abuja and Kogi.

TheCable learnt that Zango was arrested by security operatives, including the DSS, on Sunday during the screening of intending pilgrims.

On May 12, NAHCON completed the airlift of intending pilgrims in four states to Saudi Arabia, while 64,188 Nigerians are expected to take part in this year’s pilgrimage.

There has been an uptick in violent attacks in the northern part of the country, with military bases not spared.

On Friday, Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, said the military has procured new equipment to strengthen efforts against insecurity, including the resurgence of insurgent attacks.