Suspected bandit leaders arrested at Katsina airport after Hajj return

The Katsina State Government has refused to comment on reports that suspected bandit leaders were arrested at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport after returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. This follows an earlier announcement by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, that seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP were arrested at the airport and handed over to the Department of State Services, DSS. The minister said the arrests were possible because of Nigeria's integrated digital identity and border management system, which links NIMC, immigration records, and Interpol databases.

The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu'azu Danmusa, told BBC Hausa that the state government neither carried out nor authorised any arrest at the airport. He said border control, passenger screening, and intelligence operations are federal responsibilities. According to him, "These are security and administrative matters handled by federal agencies. The state government is not in a position to confirm or deny the reported arrests." He advised journalists to contact the Nigeria Immigration Service and the DSS for clarification.

Political analyst Bashir Kurfi had earlier alleged that some suspected bandit leaders performed this year's Hajj through arrangements facilitated by the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board. The board's Executive Director, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, denied this, saying he was not aware of any bandits who performed Hajj through the board or any arrests linked to the pilgrimage. The identities of the suspects reportedly arrested have not been officially disclosed. So bandits can now travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and come back to face arrest at the airport. What is happening to this country?