Katsina government declines to comment on alleged arrest of suspected bandits returning from Hajj

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

Earlier, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced that seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were arrested at the airport and transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS).

He attributed the arrests to Nigeria’s integrated digital identity and border‑management system, which connects the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), immigration records and Interpol databases.

In response, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa said the issue lies within federal security agencies’ jurisdiction.

In a BBC Hausa interview, Danmusa stated that the state government neither conducted nor authorised any arrest at the airport.

He added that border control, passenger screening and intelligence operations fall under federal authorities.

He said, “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 further clarification.

The arrests have sparked discussion in the state, especially after allegations that some suspected bandits participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage through the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Political analyst Bashir Kurfi previously alleged that some suspected bandit leaders performed this year’s Hajj through arrangements facilitated in the state, a claim the government has repeatedly denied.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama dismissed the allegations that suspected bandits participated in the pilgrimage through the board.

He said, “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.”

Security authorities have not officially disclosed the identities of the suspects reportedly arrested at the airport.