Kebbi raises concern over the Sai Malam Terror Group as security agencies move to profile members and strengthen operations statewide

The Kebbi State Government has raised fresh concerns over security in north-west Nigeria following reports of the emergence of the Sai Malam Terror Group, with officials calling for urgent intervention to prevent the sect from gaining a foothold in the state.

Also read: Kebbi Police Bust Dangerous One-Chance Robbery Syndicate

The alarm was sounded in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Security and Home Affairs, retired Colonel Hassan Riba, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sulaiman Abdul.

Riba disclosed that the group was first detected in the Zuru Emirate, where security agencies launched operations that forced its members out of the area. However, he revealed that intelligence reports indicate the sect has resurfaced in another part of the state.

“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,” Riba said.

The security adviser further alleged that the group engages in ritual practices involving blood sacrifices among its members, a claim he said should prompt immediate attention from law enforcement authorities.

“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.

The development comes as Kebbi State continues to confront broader security challenges linked to banditry and cross-border criminal activities affecting parts of north-western Nigeria.

Over the past several years, neighbouring states including Zamfara, Sokoto and parts of Niger State have experienced persistent attacks by armed groups, prompting increased security deployments across the region.

Riba said the state government has maintained strong support for federal security efforts by providing logistics, operational equipment and other resources aimed at improving response capabilities.

According to him, Mobile Police personnel have also been deployed to Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area to prevent infiltration by armed bandits and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.

Governor Nasir Idris, represented at the meeting by Permanent Secretary Kabir Adamu, reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies.

Adamu said the administration had supplied vehicles, motorcycles and other operational equipment to security personnel to improve mobility, enhance effectiveness and boost morale among officers serving across the state.

The governor’s representative stressed that closer cooperation among security agencies, intelligence sharing and community engagement remain critical to tackling evolving security threats.

Responding to concerns about the Sai Malam Terror Group, the Inspector-General of Police directed security agencies to immediately profile the group and gather actionable intelligence before it expands its activities.

Represented by DIG Abdul, Egbetokun emphasised the need for a proactive approach, particularly in riverine and border communities that criminal elements often exploit for movement and weapons trafficking.

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

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

The police chief also directed commanders to strengthen coordinated operations along waterways and border routes connecting Kebbi with neighbouring states.

According to him, criminals frequently exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade arrest, making sustained collaboration among commands essential.

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

As a secondary highlight of the meeting, the Inspector-General commended officers of the Kebbi State Police Command for their resilience and recent operational successes despite challenging conditions.

“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.

Egbetokun also urged the command to deepen implementation of intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, two key pillars of the Nigeria Police Force’s current reform agenda.

The DIG appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to continue providing credible information capable of preventing attacks and disrupting criminal networks before they strike.

“Please trust us. If you have any information, share it with us,” he said.

“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.”

The stakeholders’ meeting brought together representatives of traditional institutions, district heads, labour leaders and heads of security agencies, reflecting growing efforts to build a united and vigilant response to emerging threats in Kebbi State.

Also read: Kebbi Speaker Muhammad Usman Zuru Dies in Egypt Hospital

With security agencies now directed to profile and monitor the Sai Malam Terror Group, authorities hope swift intelligence gathering and coordinated action will prevent the sect from becoming a more entrenched threat in the region.