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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has raised the alarm over the emergence of a new terror group identified as “Sai Malam” in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Home Affairs, Col. Hassan Riba (retd), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Sulaiman Abdul, in Birnin Kebbi yesterday.
Riba said the sect was first discovered in the Zuru Emirate, where security agencies dislodged its members.
“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.
“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 said.
Riba added that traditional rulers and community leaders have critical roles to play in ensuring peace and stability in the state.
He noted that the state government has continued to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by providing logistics and support to security agencies to tackle security challenges effectively.
According to him, Mobile Police personnel have also been deployed to Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area to curb bandit infiltration.
In his remarks, Governor Nasir Idris, represented by Permanent Secretary Kabir Adamu, said the state government had distributed vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment to security agencies to enhance their operations and boost morale.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among security agencies, intelligence sharing and the involvement of traditional rulers in addressing insecurity.
Reacting to the emergence of the sect, the IGP said security agencies must profile the group before it gains ground.
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Represented by DIG Abdul, the IGP stressed the need to strengthen security around waterways and riverine communities to block channels used by criminals to transport weapons.
“The Kebbi Command must immediately re-engineer its operational strategies to reflect robust regional and federal synergy. You must optimise your riverine patrols, combining physical presence with actionable intelligence gathered through direct partnerships with fishing communities, transport unions and traditional institutions.
“Your implementation of ‘Handshake Patrols’ must extend beyond land routes bordering Sokoto and Zamfara to include coordinated joint operations along river entry points linking neighbouring jurisdictions.
“Ensure that your tactical teams maintain constant communication with contiguous commands to deny criminals opportunities to exploit jurisdictional boundaries,” he said.
The IGP commended officers of the command for their resilience and successes in combating crime, urging them to sustain the momentum.
“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.
He added that the command should fully embrace the six core pillars of the IGP’s administration, particularly intelligence-led and technology-driven policing.
The DIG also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to support security agencies with credible information.
“Please trust us. If you have any information, share it with us.
“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,” he said.
The meeting was attended by representatives of traditional rulers, district heads, union leaders and heads of security agencies in the state.
