Alleged Relatives of Nigerian Bandit Ado Aliero Arrested in Saudi Arabia
Arrests during Hajj raise questions over how Nigeria’s most wanted criminals evade capture and highlight growing cooperation between Nigerian and Saudi intelligence services.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Saudi authorities have reportedly arrested two Nigerian women believed to be closely connected to one of West Africa’s most wanted bandit leaders, Ado Aliero, during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, in what appears to be part of a broader transnational intelligence operation.
According to sources cited by Daily Trust, the suspects allegedly Aliero’s wife and mother were detained in the holy city of Madinah, where they had reportedly been residing under false identities. The arrests are said to be linked to ongoing efforts to dismantle the support network behind Nigeria’s spiraling banditry crisis, particularly in the country’s troubled northwest.
Ado Aliero, notorious for mass abductions and deadly raids across Zamfara and its environs, has long evaded capture despite being on Nigeria’s most-wanted list. His operations have drawn attention for their coordination, access to arms, and suspected financial backing, raising concerns about both local complicity and transnational links.
Intelligence officials in Nigeria are reportedly collaborating with their Saudi counterparts to ascertain the identities and roles of the women, believed to possess crucial information about Aliero’s movements and funding channels. Though the Saudi government has yet to issue an official statement, Nigerian sources confirm that the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday apprehended another suspected kidnap kingpin, Sani Galadi, at Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto. Galadi, said to have been under surveillance, was arrested during final screening for intending pilgrims.
His arrest came less than 24 hours after another wanted suspect linked to kidnappings in Kogi and Abuja was intercepted at the Hajj camp in Abuja while attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia.
A security source, speaking anonymously, told reporters: “Yes, one Galadi was arrested today at the terminal when undergoing final screening before departure for Saudi Arabia.”
The source added that the suspect is now in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. “He will have his day in court when the investigation is completed.”
The arrests have sparked new scrutiny on how high-profile fugitives are able to obtain official travel documentation and attempt international travel undetected, until recently.
As Hajj operations continue, authorities have hinted at further actions in their efforts to dismantle the logistical and financial networks enabling armed violence across Nigeria.
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