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

Kebbi State Government Raises Alarm Over New Terrorist Group

The Kebbi State Government has expressed alarm over the emergence of a new terrorist group known as the “Sai Mallam” sect, particularly in the Argungu Local Government Area.

During a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, the state’s Security Adviser, retired Col. Danladi Ribah, shared his concerns with Deputy Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Mohammed Abdul, who oversees the North-West geopolitical zone.

Ribah reported that the group was initially identified in smaller numbers in Zuru, but their presence has since become more pronounced in Argungu. He stated, “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.”

The group first originated in Sokoto State, where security agencies managed to limit its activities.

Assuring residents, Ribah noted that the state government is collaborating closely with security forces to address the threat and curtail the group’s expansion. He highlighted that Governor Nasir Idris continues to provide logistical, material, and financial support to enhance operations against criminal elements, including bandits identified as Lakurawa and Mamudawa.

Ribah explained that fighters from the Lakurawa group typically enter Kebbi through Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger, while members of the Mamudawa group often infiltrate from Kwara and Niger states. He added that bandits operating in Kebbi frequently launch attacks from neighboring 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 affirmed.

At the meeting, Alhaji Isa Haruna Rasheed, the District Head of Ambursa, advocated for increased funding for police commands to enhance operational effectiveness and improve personnel welfare.

Read Full Article