The Kebbi State Government says a new terror group known as “Sai Malam” has emerged in parts of the state.
Hassan Riba, special adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on security and home affairs, disclosed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with the inspector-general of police (IGP) in Birnin Kebbi.
Riba said the group was initially discovered in Zuru Emirate, where security operatives dislodged its members, but 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.
He alleged that members of the group engage in blood sacrifices and called on security agencies to take urgent action to prevent its spread.
Riba said the state government has continued to support security agencies with logistics and other resources to strengthen security operations across Kebbi.
He added that mobile police personnel have been deployed to Danko-Wasagu LGA to prevent the infiltration of bandits into the area.
Speaking at the meeting, Idris, represented by Kabir Adamu, permanent secretary in the state government, said the administration had provided vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment to security agencies to enhance their operations.
The IGP, represented by Sulaiman Abdul, deputy inspector-general of police, directed security agencies to profile the group and prevent it from establishing a foothold in the state.
Abdul also called for improved collaboration among security agencies, intelligence sharing and enhanced security around border communities and waterways to curb criminal activities.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to support security agencies with credible information, assuring residents of the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
