Kebbi raises the alarm over new ‘Sai Mallam’ terrorist group

The Kebbi State Government has expressed concern over the emergence of a new terrorist group known as the “Sai Mallam” sect, warning that its activities are becoming increasingly visible in parts of the state, particularly in Argungu Local Government Area.

The state’s Security Adviser, retired Col. Danladi Ribah, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ security meeting with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North-West, Suleiman Mohammed Abdul, at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi.

Ribah said security agencies first detected members of the group in small numbers in Zuru before they expanded their presence to Argungu.

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

According to the security adviser, the group was initially identified in neighbouring Sokoto State, where security agencies reportedly succeeded in containing its activities before its emergence in Kebbi.

He assured residents that the state government was working closely with security agencies to prevent the group from gaining further ground.

Ribah said Governor Nasir Idris had continued to provide financial, material and logistical support to security agencies to strengthen operations against bandits, Lakurawa, Mamudawa and other criminal groups operating within and around the state.

He explained that Lakurawa fighters infiltrate Kebbi through Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger, while members of the Mamudawa group gain access through Kwara and Niger states. He added that many bandit attacks in Kebbi are launched from neighbouring Zamfara State.

“Kebbi State Government is on top of the situation and will continue to do whatever is necessary to safeguard the lives and property of the people,” Ribah said.

Also speaking at the meeting, the District Head of Ambursa, Alhaji Isa Haruna Rasheed, called for increased funding for police commands to improve operational capacity and enhance the welfare of officers deployed to tackle insecurity across the state.