New terror group ‘Sai Malam’ emerges in Kebbi, Govt raises alarm

The Kebbi State Government has raised concerns over the emergence of a new terror group known as “Sai Malam”, warning that the sect poses a growing security threat in parts of the state.

The Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Security and Home Affairs, retired Colonel Hassan Riba, disclosed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

Mr Riba said the group was first identified in the Zuru Emirate, where security operatives successfully dislodged its members, but noted that the sect has resurfaced in Argungu.

“We have one pressing issue now, which is the emergence of another terror group called ‘Sai Malam’. We dislodged them in Zuru when we discovered them, but I recently saw them again in Argungu,” he said.

According to him, members of the group allegedly engage in blood sacrifices as part of their activities.

“They use blood for sacrifices among their members. It is high time the police took note of this sect and dealt with it decisively,” he added.

Riba stressed the importance of collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders in maintaining peace and security across the state.

He also noted that the state government has continued to support federal security efforts through the provision of logistics and other resources to security agencies.

The governor’s aide further disclosed that mobile police personnel have been deployed to Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area to curb the infiltration of bandits and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.

Responding to the development, the IGP, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Sulaiman Abdul, called for the immediate profiling of the group to prevent it from gaining a foothold in the state.

Mr Abdul also emphasised the need for enhanced surveillance of waterways and riverine communities, which he said are often exploited by criminal elements for the movement of arms and other illicit activities.

“The Kebbi Command must immediately re-engineer its operational strategies to reflect robust regional and federal synergy.

“You must optimise your riverine patrols, combining physical presence with actionable intelligence gathered through direct partnerships with fishing communities, transport unions and traditional institutions,” he said.

He directed that the ongoing “Handshake Patrols” initiative be expanded beyond land borders with Sokoto and Zamfara states to include coordinated operations along river routes linking neighbouring jurisdictions.

“Ensure that your tactical teams maintain constant communication with contiguous commands to deny criminals opportunities to exploit jurisdictional boundaries,” he added.

The DIG commended officers and personnel of the Kebbi State Police Command for their commitment and achievements in combating crime, urging them to sustain the momentum.

“Keep pushing hard, stay sharp and sustain this momentum. You are the pride of the Force. Thank you for your dedication and bravery,” he said.

He further urged the command to fully implement the six core pillars of the IGP’s policing agenda, particularly intelligence-led and technology-driven policing strategies.

Mr Abdul also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information.

“Please trust us. If you have any information, share it with us. Whatever you do in the interest of security is aimed at protecting and defending your communities. Be free to tell us what we need to do,” he said.

The meeting was attended by representatives of traditional rulers, district heads, labour and transport unions, as well as heads of security agencies operating in the state.