Several individuals identified as “repentant” bandits have been released after being arrested by the Nigeria Police shortly after returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The arrests followed an ongoing investigation into allegations that the Katsina State Government sponsored some former bandits to perform the pilgrimage. The claims sparked public debate after they were made by Ahmadu Bello University lecturer and public affairs commentator, Dr. Bashir Kurfi.
According to documents cited during the investigation, police questioned the suspects and recorded statements from them before releasing them.
Investigators also interviewed Fulani community leaders, peace committee members, local government officials and representatives of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Police reportedly requested records relating to 15 pilgrims, including evidence of Hajj payments and confirmation that they participated in the 2026 pilgrimage.
In response, the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed that all 15 travelled through the state’s official Hajj exercise and submitted payment receipts, passports and visa records to support their response.
Several of those questioned insisted they personally financed their trips. Some said they sold cattle and farm produce or obtained loans to raise the required Hajj fare. They denied receiving financial assistance from the Katsina State Government.
One Fulani leader also told investigators that his brother and four others were arrested by security operatives immediately after arriving from Saudi Arabia before they were later released following questioning.
Inside Katsina State:
Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Attacking Cousin, Stealing Phones and Cash in Katsina
Troops Neutralise Eight Terrorists, Foil Planned Attack on Katsina Commuters
Security Forces Foil Bandit Attack in Katsina, Force Gunmen to Flee
Witnesses familiar with the state’s peace and reconciliation programme said repentant bandits seeking to perform Hajj were required to obtain approval from community leaders and relevant authorities. However, they maintained that government approval did not amount to government sponsorship.
The Chairman of Safana Local Government, Abdullahi Sani, also denied claims that the state funded the pilgrims, stating that those involved paid their own Hajj fares after following the necessary procedures.
Although police gathered statements and documentary evidence from multiple witnesses, authorities have yet to publicly announce the final outcome of the investigation into the allegations.
About The Author
