The Katsina State Government has distanced itself from reports alleging that suspected bandit leaders were arrested upon their return from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, insisting that it neither carried out nor authorised the operation.
The clarification follows claims by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, that seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were apprehended on June 18 at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport after returning from Saudi Arabia. According to the minister, the suspects were identified through Nigeria’s integrated digital identity and border management system before being handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Responding to the reports, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, said the state government had no involvement in the arrests and directed enquiries to the DSS and the Nigeria Immigration Service, the agencies responsible for airport security and border control.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, said he had no knowledge of the reported arrests.
The development comes amid earlier allegations that some suspected bandits participated in this year’s Hajj through the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
However, the state government has consistently denied sponsoring or facilitating the pilgrimage of any criminal suspect.
Meanwhile, an unnamed immigration source quoted by Daily Trust claimed that arrests were made but suggested those detained were suspected bandit leaders rather than Boko Haram or ISWAP commanders. The source also alleged that some citizens of the Niger Republic were among those arrested. These claims have not been independently verified.
Also reacting, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, denied any knowledge of suspected bandits travelling through the board or of any arrests connected to the pilgrimage.
Federal security agencies, including the DSS and the Nigeria Immigration Service, are yet to issue detailed public statements on the identities of those arrested or the specific offences for which they are being investigated. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
