The Kebbi State Government has raised the alarm over the emergence of a new terror group identified as “Sai Malam” in parts of the state, warning that the sect must be profiled and tackled before it grows into a major security threat.
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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Home Affairs, Col. Hassan Riba, retired, raised the concern during a stakeholders’ security meeting held on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi.
The meeting was attended by representatives of traditional rulers, district heads, union leaders and heads of security agencies in the state.
Also present was the Deputy Inspector-General of Police supervising the North-West geopolitical zone, Sulaiman Abdul, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Speaking at the meeting, Riba said the group was first discovered in Zuru Emirate, where security agencies dislodged its members.
He, however, said the sect had resurfaced in Argungu, where its presence had become more pronounced.
“We have one burning issue now, which is the discovery of another terror group. They are called ‘Sai Malam.’ We dislodged them in Zuru when we discovered them. But I was in Argungu and I saw them again. They use blood for sacrifice among their members. It is high time the police took note of this sect and dealt with it decisively,” he said.
Riba said there was no doubt that members of the sect were present in large numbers in Argungu, adding that they had earlier been detected in smaller numbers in Zuru.
According to him, the group was first identified in Sokoto State, where security agencies were able to contain its activities.
The security adviser assured residents that the Kebbi State Government was working closely with security agencies to address the threat and prevent the sect from spreading to other parts of the state.
He said Governor Nasir Idris had continued to support security agencies with logistics, materials and funding to strengthen operations against bandits, Lakurawa, Mamudawa and other criminal elements.
Riba said Lakurawa fighters usually enter Kebbi through Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger, while members of the Mamudawa group infiltrate the state through Kwara and Niger states.
He added that bandits operating in Kebbi often launch attacks from neighbouring Zamfara State.
The security aide disclosed that mobile police personnel had been deployed to Danko-Wasagu to check the infiltration of bandits and improve security in the area.
“Kebbi State Government is on top of the situation and will continue to do whatever is necessary to safeguard the lives and property of the people,” he said.
Riba also charged traditional rulers and community leaders to take their responsibilities seriously, saying they have a major role to play in maintaining peace and stability in their domains.
In his remarks, Governor Idris, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Kabir Adamu, said the state government had distributed vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment to security agencies to boost their morale and enhance operations aimed at restoring peace across the state.
The governor emphasised the importance of collaboration among security agencies, intelligence sharing and the involvement of traditional institutions in tackling insecurity.
Reacting to the emergence of the new sect, the Inspector-General of Police, represented by DIG Abdul, said security agencies must urgently profile the group before it gains ground and becomes more difficult to contain.
He said security agencies must also focus on waterways and riverine areas to block channels through which criminals move weapons and other dangerous materials.
“What I will say here is this: please, trust us. If you have any information, share it with us. Whatever you do in the interest of security is protecting and defending your communities. Be free to tell us what we need to do,” he said.
The District Head of Ambursa, Alhaji Isa Haruna Rasheed, also called for increased funding for police commands to improve operations and enhance the welfare of personnel.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for community cooperation, early intelligence sharing and stronger coordination among security agencies to prevent the spread of the new group and other criminal networks in Kebbi State.
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