An accused known bandit and kidnapper was reportedly taken into custody by Department of State Services (DSS) agents in Sokoto when they were checking prospective Muslim pilgrims.

After being pursued by the agents, the suspect, Sani Galadi, was taken into custody on Monday at Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto.

The arrest occurs roughly 24 hours after security forces detained a suspected bandit and kidnapper in the Abuja Hajj camp.

According to reports, the suspect who is simply known as Yahaya Zango—has been connected to other kidnapping cases in Kogi and Abuja.

Security personnel, including the DSS, reportedly detained Zango on Sunday while checking potential pilgrims.

Note that 64,188 Nigerians are anticipated to participate in this year’s pilgrimage, and on May 12, NAHCON finished airlifting prospective pilgrims from four states to Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, military installations have not been exempted from the rise in violent attacks in the country’s north.

The military has acquired new weaponry to bolster efforts against instability, particularly the resumption of insurgent attacks, according to Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, who made the announcement Friday.