New terrorist sect emerges in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government on Wednesday raised the alarm over the presence of the ‘Sai Malam’ terror-linked sect in Argungu Local Government Area of the state. The State Security Adviser, retired Colonel Danladi Ribah, disclosed this during a town hall meeting between the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North-West Geo-Political Zone, DIG […]

The Kebbi State Government on Wednesday raised the alarm over the presence of the ‘Sai Malam’ terror-linked sect in Argungu Local Government Area of the state.

The State Security Adviser, retired Colonel Danladi Ribah, disclosed this during a town hall meeting between the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North-West Geo-Political Zone, DIG Suleiman Muhammad Abdul, and security stakeholders in Birnin Kebbi.

Ribah said the group was first detected in Sokoto State, where security agencies were able to contain its activities.

He, however, expressed concern over its presence in parts of Kebbi State.

He said the state government is already consulting with security agencies to address the situation before it escalates.

“Without an iota of doubt, Sai Malam adherents are present in large numbers in Argungu. They were earlier detected in Zuru, but in smaller numbers,” he said.

He added that Governor Nasir Idris has continued to hold monthly security meetings with heads of security agencies and has consistently provided logistics, equipment and financial support to security services operating in the state.

He said the support is aimed at tackling bandits, Lakurawa, Mamudawa and other criminal elements threatening the state.

“The Lakurawa infiltrate Kebbi through hit-and-run attacks from Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger.

“Mamudawa elements enter our territory from Kwara and Niger states, while bandits attack Kebbi from Zamfara State,” he said.

Ribah assured residents that the government remained on top of the security situation and would continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard lives and property.

 

Sai Malam sect

The Sai Malam sect is a terror-linked cult group that reportedly operated in parts of Sokoto State before emerging in some areas of Kebbi State.

Due to its activities, its leader and several key members were reportedly arrested in Sokoto.

However, reports indicate that splinter groups have regrouped in Argungu Local Government Area.

The state government is worried about the group’s incursion because of fears that its activities could pose a serious security threat to residents.

According to locals, members of the sect are associated with ritual practices, fraud and the recruitment of vulnerable youths into their ranks.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told Daily Trust that the group had been operating in the state for about two years without attracting significant attention from security agencies.

“I think it is because they do not operate like Lakurawa or bandits that many people have not paid attention to their presence in Kebbi State.”

“They are also a serious security threat, but unlike other terrorist groups, they are not known to carry heavy weapons.

“They carry light but dangerous weapons such as knives, charms and other harmful objects which they use to attack or kill their victims,” he said.

Another resident confirmed that members of the sect are based in Argungu township.

“Not everyone can easily identify them. Some of us recognise them through their mode of dressing.

“They usually wear shorts and jalabiyas and prefer riding motorcycles popularly known as ‘rubber-rubber’, mostly painted red.

“They are wealthy and because of their wealth, many young people are attracted and recruited into the group.

“However, to the best of my knowledge, they have not carried out major attacks in Argungu as reported in some parts of Sokoto State,” he said.

 

Other terrorist groups

Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity caused by armed groups operating across different parts of the country, particularly in the North.

Among the most notorious are Boko Haram and ISWAP, which operate mainly in the North-East.

Ansaru and Lakurawa are active in parts of the North-West, while Mamuda elements have been linked to activities in parts of the North-Central, particularly Niger and Kwara states.

Several armed groups, including bandits and militias, have also continued to terrorise communities, forcing residents to flee their homes while carrying out killings, kidnappings and other criminal activities.

Despite sustained efforts by security agencies to contain their operations, many of these groups continue to pose significant security challenges across the country.

Human rights organisations estimate that terrorist and militant activities have resulted in thousands of deaths over the past decade.

Responding, DIG Suleiman Muhammad Abdul told participants at the meeting that security operations are highly capital-intensive.

He announced that the Nigeria Police Force had officially launched a Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in the Kebbi State Police Command.

According to him, the unit has been equipped with six operational vehicles and five motorcycles to strengthen rapid response operations, intelligence-led policing and the effective tackling of violent crimes across the state.