*Kebbi State govt raises alarm over emergence of new terror group, “Sai Malam”
*Reveals that the sect, first discovered in Zuru Emirate was dislodged
*Regrets that recently, members of the sect have resurfaced in parts of the state
*Appeals to security agencies to take note of the development, deal with it decisively
By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has expressed concern over the emergence of a new terror group known as “Sai Malam,” warning that the sect is attempting to establish a presence in parts of the state.
The alarm was raised by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Home Affairs, retired Colonel Hassan Riba, during a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of the Inspector-General of Police in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
According to Riba, security operatives initially uncovered and dismantled the group in the Zuru Emirate. However, he revealed that members of the sect have resurfaced in other areas of the state.
“We are currently facing a serious security concern with the discovery of another terror group called ‘Sai Malam,’” he said. “We successfully dislodged them in Zuru after identifying their activities, but I recently encountered indications of their presence again in Argungu.”
Riba alleged that the group engages in ritual practices involving blood sacrifices among its members and called on the police and other security agencies to take immediate action before the sect gains a stronger foothold.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies in maintaining peace and stability across the state.
The security adviser noted that the Kebbi State Government has continued to support federal security efforts by providing logistics and operational resources to security agencies. He added that Mobile Police personnel have been deployed to Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area to curb the activities of bandits and prevent further security threats.
Representing Governor Nasir Idris at the meeting, Permanent Secretary Kabir Adamu said the state government had supplied vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment to security agencies to strengthen security operations and boost personnel morale.
Adamu highlighted the vital role of traditional institutions in intelligence gathering and community security, emphasizing that cooperation and information sharing among security agencies remains key to tackling insecurity.
Responding to concerns about the new sect, the Inspector-General of Police, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Sulaiman Abdul, said security agencies must quickly profile and assess the group to prevent it from developing into a larger threat.
He also called for increased surveillance of waterways and riverine communities, which he said are often used by criminal elements to transport weapons and other illicit materials.
Abdul urged residents, traditional rulers, and community leaders to work closely with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.
“Trust the security agencies and share any useful information you have,” he said. “By doing so, you are helping to protect your communities and strengthen our collective security efforts.”
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, district heads, labour and community leaders, as well as heads of security agencies operating in the state.
