Security operatives have arrested a notorious bandit, Yahaya Zango, at the Hajj Camp in Abuja while he attempted to disguise as a pilgrim preparing for this year?s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Zango, who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping across northern Nigeria, was apprehended during routine screening of intending pilgrims.

A reliable security source Zagazola Makama on Sunday that the suspect was intercepted while trying to board a bus alongside other pilgrims headed for the airport.

The source disclosed that the arrest followed credible intelligence which prompted enhanced surveillance and internal screening within the camp.

?Upon close monitoring and verification, the suspect?s identity was uncovered, and he was immediately taken into custody without incident,? the source said.

The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation while further investigations are ongoing to unravel his network and activities.

Meanwhile, impeccable sources have alleged that at least four other individuals with suspected links to banditry are currently among those listed to travel for the 2025 Hajj through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Those named include Madele, said to be the father of notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aliero; Bello Bazamfare; and a woman believed to be the mother of another infamous bandit leader, Gwaska Dankarami. One of the four is reportedly a sibling of Ado Aliero himself.

In 2024, similar concerns were raised after 14 suspected bandits were reportedly sponsored to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Three were apprehended on their return, while one was controversially released under unclear circumstances.

Security agencies are said to be intensifying screenings and intelligence operations around this year?s pilgrimage to prevent a recurrence. (Zagazola)

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