Abuja, Nigeria
A team of security operatives have arrested an alleged notorious bandit leader at the hajj camp in Abuja.
TheCable reports that a source within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said security operatives arrested the suspect, identified as Yahaya Zango, on Sunday.
The security team, including the Department of State Services (DSS), during the screening of intending pilgrims.
According to the security operatives, Zango is linked to multiple kidnapping incidents that have happened in the country.
On May 12, NAHCON completed the airlift of intending pilgrims from four Nigerian states to Saudi Arabia.
This year, a total of 64,188 Nigerians are expected to participate in the pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, there has been a rise in violent attacks across northern Nigeria, with even military bases coming under threat.
In response to the growing insecurity, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, announced on Friday that the military has acquired new equipment to bolster its operations, particularly in light of a renewed wave of insurgent attacks.
Musa called on Nigerians to join the military in crushing terrorists and bandits operating in the country.
