Suspected Bandits, Wives, Alleged Informants Arrested After Returning From Saudi Arabia

A number of suspected terrorists, along with their spouses and informants, have been arrested by security forces upon returning from their pilgrimage, or Hajj, in Saudi Arabia.

The arrests occurred at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto, a typical travel route for intending pilgrims from Zamfara State.

The apprehended suspects are reported to originate from Tsafe, Zurmi, Bungudu and Shinkafi areas within Zamfara State.

While the representatives of security agencies in Zamfara State have not publicly acknowledged the arrests, several sources including a high-ranking Hajj committee member confirmed the operation to Premium Times.

An anonymous member of the Zamfara State Hajj committee said that there had been official communication between security agencies carrying out the operation and the state’s Hajj committee members.

He said, “When the first flight came, we were asked to delay the pilgrims from coming down the plane. After that, we were asked to take them to a hall in the airport where we saw security agents, including those in uniform and in plain clothing. Our airport contact person asked us to withdraw and allow the security guys to do their work.”

According to him, the pilgrims were asked to sit on plastic chairs while they were screened again by the security agents.

While the suspects were asked to remain in the hall, those cleared were asked to proceed.

He further stated, “Initially, I didn’t ask any questions, but when it was repeated when the second flight came, I made some contacts, and I was informed that the security was taking away suspected bandits, their wives and informants for questioning.”

Another source, a staff of the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board said in a series of WhatsApp voice notes stated that the suspects were placed under surveillance by security agents.

The source said, “I can’t call you now… But it’s true (the arrest). We were informed that the Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto intending pilgrims were placed on serious security surveillance from Nigeria to here (Saudi Arabia). I know that arrests have been made at the airport, but I can’t give you details now since I’m not around too,”

In another voice note message, he said another set of suspects were arrested among pilgrims from Tsafe.

Yet, another source, a pilgrim who sought anonymity for security reasons, said he saw when some suspects were arrested.

“Immediately the last flight landed on Friday, security agents in number came and started asking for pilgrim’s documents. When we came off the plane, they took many people we were together with and took them to a vehicle. We were asked to proceed and take our handbags. But those taken were not even allowed to take their handbags,” he said.

A community leader in the Shinkafi area, who asked not to be named, said a group of respected “personalities” in the local government raised the alarm when they heard the rumour that notorious banditry kingpin, Bello Turji, would be going to Saudia Arabia for his pilgrimage.

“We went to both the police and the brigade commander in Gusau, and they promised that they would take care of the situation. I’m personally happy with this development because, if anything, it means the security agents are serious about tackling this situation,” he said.

The community leader said they later learnt that Turji didn’t go, but “several of his boys” and informants went to perform their pilgrimage.

The police spokesperson in the state, Yazid Abubakar, didn’t give further information when contacted.

“Since you said it’s a joint issue, I think you should talk to the Brigade. Our officers attached to the joint task force don’t report to us because they have their own leader, so please reach out to them,”Abubakar said.

The spokesperson for 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ibrahim Yahaya, also said he was unaware of such operations.

“If you said it’s in Sokoto airport, then it’s not our officers. They are soldiers in Sokoto that can do that. To be honest with you, I’m not aware of what you’re saying,” he said.

When reminded that the pilgrims were from Zamfara and were only in Sokoto because there is no airport in the state, Yahaya said he would not comment since he was unaware of the arrests.