Katsina Government keeps mum over reported arrest of suspected bandits returning from Hajj

The Katsina State Government has declined to comment on reports alleging that suspected bandit leaders were arrested at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina after returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

The reports followed an announcement by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who disclosed that seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were arrested at the airport and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the minister, the suspects were identified through Nigeria’s integrated digital identity and border management system, which links the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), immigration records and Interpol databases.

Reacting to the development, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, said the issue falls entirely within the jurisdiction of federal security agencies.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Danmusa stated that the state government neither carried out nor authorised any arrests at the airport.

He explained that border control, passenger screening and intelligence operations are exclusively handled by federal authorities.

“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 said.

Danmusa advised journalists seeking further information to direct their enquiries to the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Department of State Services.

The reported arrests have generated widespread reactions in Katsina, especially following allegations that some suspected bandit leaders performed the 2026 Hajj through the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Political analyst Bashir Kurfi had earlier alleged that some suspected bandits participated in this year’s pilgrimage through arrangements facilitated in the state. However, the Katsina State Government has consistently denied the claim.

Also reacting, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, dismissed the allegations, insisting that no suspected bandit travelled for Hajj through the board.

“I am not aware of any bandits who performed this year’s Hajj through the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board. I am also not aware of any arrests linked to the pilgrimage,” he said.

Security agencies are yet to officially release the identities of the suspects reportedly arrested at the airport.

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