Sai Mallam Sect: Kebbi Authorities Confirm Presence of New Terror Group in Argungu - Newstrends
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Sai Mallam Sect: Kebbi Authorities Confirm Presence of New Terror Group in Argungu

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Sai Mallam Sect: Kebbi Authorities Confirm Presence of New Terror Group in Argungu

Sai Mallam Sect: Kebbi Authorities Confirm Presence of New Terror Group in Argungu

Security adviser confirms presence of new terror group as stakeholders meet to address growing insecurity across the state

The Kebbi State Government has raised a serious alarm over the high presence of a new terror group identified as the “Sai Mallam” sect in Argungu, adding to the state’s growing security challenges. The development was disclosed during a town hall meeting between the Deputy Inspector-General of Police supervising the North West Geo-Political Zone, DIG Suleiman Muhammad Abdul, and security stakeholders at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

The Security Adviser to the State Governor, retired Col. Danladi Ribah, expressed grave concern about the infiltration of the group, which was first discovered in the Zuru Emirate and was dislodged by security agencies but has now reportedly resurfaced in large numbers in Argungu. “We have one burning issue now, which is the discovery of another terror group. They are called ‘Sai Mallam’. We dislodged them in Zuru when we discovered them. But I was in Argungu, and I saw them again,” Ribah stated. He further revealed that the sect allegedly engages in ritual practices, noting, “They use blood for sacrifice among their members. It is high time the police take note of this sect and deal with it decisively.” The Security Adviser provided a comprehensive breakdown of the multiple security threats facing Kebbi State, explaining that Lakurawa terrorists are “coming into Kebbi on hit-and-run invasion from Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger,” Mamudawa elements enter the territory “from Kwara and Niger states,” while bandits attack Kebbi “from Zamfara state.” Despite the concerning situation, Ribah assured stakeholders that the state government was actively consulting with security agencies to reverse the trend. “Kebbi State Government is on top of the situation, we shall continue to do whatever is necessary to safeguard lives and property of our people,” he said. The governor has been providing “logistics, material and financial support to all the security services, which have been doing an excellent job to contain bandits, Lakurawa, Mamudawa and other criminal elements.”

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The Sai Mallam group has been a growing concern across northwestern Nigeria. According to police reports, the sect has generated widespread fear through alleged fraud, intimidation, and fetish practices. In Sokoto State, police arrested the group’s alleged leader and chief priest, Mohammed Mukhtar, in December 2025, recovering fetish materials and banners bearing the group’s name from his residence, which reportedly also served as a shrine. Police authorities have expressed concern that most members of the cult are youths aged between 19 and 30, describing the trend as disturbing. “These are the most productive years of their lives,” a police spokesperson said. “Instead of being in school or learning trades, they are being lured into deception, fraud and fetish activities in the pursuit of quick wealth.” More recently, in May 2026, police in Sokoto arrested four suspected members of a counterfeiting syndicate linked to the Sai Mallam cult group, recovering counterfeit currencies, charms, fake gold stones, and a “magic box” allegedly used in producing fake money.

In his remarks, DIG Suleiman Muhammad Abdul emphasized that security agencies need to profile the new group before it gains ground and becomes a monster. He called for increased focus on waterways and riverine areas to block channels through which criminals distribute weapons. “What I will say here is this: please, trust us. If you have any information, share it with us. Whatever you do in the interest of security is protecting and defending your communities. Be free to tell us what we need to do,” the DIG appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders. The DIG addressed concerns about police personnel welfare, noting that “Policemen earn higher salaries than soldiers, but soldiers are being paid allowances which are not accruing to the Police.” He disclosed that the police management team has presented a proposal awaiting approval that would guarantee the sponsorship of four children each of all fallen policemen who died in active service, from nursery to secondary school. DIG Abdul commended officers for recent operational successes against criminal elements, noting that the wellbeing of policemen and their families is of paramount importance to the Inspector-General, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

In his remarks, Governor Nasir Idris, represented by Permanent Secretary Kabir Adamu, said that the state government had distributed several vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment to security agencies to boost their morale towards restoring peace across the state. He emphasized the critical role traditional rulers could play in securing the state, stressing that collaboration among sister agencies and intelligence sharing would boost security. Ribah added that Mobile Police had been deployed to Danko-Wasagu to curtail the infiltration of bandits.

Sai Mallam Sect: Kebbi Authorities Confirm Presence of New Terror Group in Argungu

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Ebonyi Police Arrest 13 Over Mob Attack on Woman Falsely Accused of Child Abduction

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June 24, 2026

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Ebonyi Police Arrest 13 Over Mob Attack on Woman Falsely Accused of Child Abduction
Ebonyi State Police Spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu

Ebonyi Police Arrest 13 Over Mob Attack on Woman Falsely Accused of Child Abduction

Jungle justice condemned as police rescue victim from lynching at Abakaliki International Market following false alarm

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects in connection with the brutal mob attack on a woman who was falsely accused of abducting three children at the International Market in Abakaliki, the state capital. The suspects, comprising 10 males and three females, were taken into custody as police intensified investigations into the incident, which nearly claimed the life of the innocent woman.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the command became aware of the incident following a video trending on social media showing the assault of the woman, whom a narrator accused of abducting three children. “The division has arrested 13 suspects, 10 males and three females, in the ongoing investigation into the mob attack involving the woman who was falsely accused of abducting three children,” Ukandu stated.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the woman was attacked by a mob after false claims circulated that she had abducted three children. The police, however, established that the allegation was unfounded. Ukandu added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The incident occurred on June 21, 2026, at the poultry section of the International Market, Abakaliki. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Central Police Station received a distress call from a concerned citizen who reported that an angry mob was about to lynch a woman over allegations that she had kidnapped three children found in her company. “Acting swiftly, the DPO led a team of officers to the scene, where they found a crowd armed with dangerous weapons attacking the woman. The officers successfully rescued her and took her to the station for her safety and further questioning,” Ukandu stated.

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During interrogation, the woman explained that the children were not kidnapped but belonged to her tenant, identified as Chinyere Okwuchukwu. She stated that Chinyere was assisting her at her piggery and had entrusted the children to her care while she worked. According to the woman, she had taken the children to the market to allow her tenant to focus on her duties. Police investigations later confirmed the woman’s account. Officers visited her residence, where Chinyere Okwuchukwu identified the children as her own and confirmed that she had willingly allowed the woman to take them to the market.

Ukandu noted that the misunderstanding began when another woman questioned whether the children were hers, citing a lack of physical resemblance. Before the accused woman could respond, the stranger allegedly raised a false alarm, accusing her of child abduction. The accusation quickly attracted a mob, which descended on the woman and subjected her to a severe assault.

The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, condemned the incident, describing the attack as barbaric and a dangerous example of the consequences of false accusations and jungle justice. “This incident demonstrates how an innocent person could have been killed due to false allegations,” the police commissioner said. She reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for jungle justice and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

SP Joshua Ukandu stressed that anyone found engaging in mob action or circulating false allegations would face prosecution in accordance with the law. “The Command advises members of the public to always report suspicious incidents to the appropriate authorities and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their responsibilities,” he said. Residents were also encouraged to make use of the command’s emergency control room number, 07064515001, to report incidents requiring urgent police intervention.

The command condemned acts of jungle justice and warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of inciting violence. He added that investigations into the matter were ongoing and assured that all those found culpable would be brought to justice.

Ebonyi Police Arrest 13 Over Mob Attack on Woman Falsely Accused of Child Abduction

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Kwara OPC Leader Abducted During N30m Ransom Delivery Mission

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June 24, 2026

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Kwara OPC Leader Abducted During N30m Ransom Delivery Mission
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Kwara OPC Leader Abducted During N30m Ransom Delivery Mission

Daring abduction of Bayo Fabiyi and two associates as kidnappers ambush ransom team; police yet to receive formal report

In a tragic turn of events, the Kwara State Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) , Bayo Fabiyi, and two others have been abducted while attempting to deliver a ₦30 million ransom and other items for the release of a kidnap victim in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, has thrown the community into confusion amid disturbing reports that the victim whose release was being negotiated may have been killed before the ransom team arrived at the designated location.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Fabiyi, a driver, and another associate embarked on the mission after suspected kidnappers allegedly demanded ₦30 million, five motorcycles, and three bags of rice as conditions for the victim’s release. The trio was directed to a forest area along the Kwara-Kogi boundary where the exchange was expected to take place.

“They were acting on instructions from the kidnappers. The team went with about ₦30m, five motorcycles, and three bags of rice because that was what was demanded for the victim’s release,” a source said on condition of anonymity. However, the mission reportedly took a tragic turn when the ransom bearers were allegedly ambushed and abducted upon arrival. Instead of securing the victim’s release, the kidnappers seized those who came to deliver the ransom. “Instead of releasing the victim, the kidnappers seized those who came to deliver the ransom. Since then, nobody has heard from them,” the source added.

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Disturbing intelligence later emerged suggesting that the victim at the centre of the negotiations had already been killed before the ransom delivery team embarked on the trip. “What we heard afterwards was that the victim had been killed before the ransom was delivered. Unfortunately, those who went on the mission were unaware of that development,” the source said. According to reports, the victim was a brother to a high-profile politician in the state, though this claim has not been independently verified. The team reportedly took the items to a faraway hill inside the thick forests in Oko-Irese before they were suddenly abducted at gunpoint.

Sources further claimed that Fabiyi had reportedly sought spiritual consultation before embarking on the mission and was allegedly advised against proceeding. “The OPC woman warned Fabiyi not to go on the mission because she saw him tied by the armed bandits. To our surprise, our boss went ahead on the dangerous mission, we didn’t even know until the abduction occurred,” one source claimed. Another member of the group expressed shock, saying, “I was surprised that our boss still went on that trip. We didn’t even know that he went until this abduction incident happened.”

The incident has generated conflicting accounts from officials. While multiple sources confirmed the abduction, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, stated that the command had not received any formal report regarding the incident. “I am not aware of the incident because it has not been reported to the police. Once a report is made, we will investigate and take appropriate action,” Ojo said. Additionally, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Network, Comrade Zubair Olaitan, disputed some details, claiming Fabiyi was carrying only ₦2 million, not ₦30 million, and refuted reports of motorcycle and rice demands. Olaitan, however, commended security forces battling armed bandits along Kwara and Kogi border areas, noting that more needs to be done in terms of adequate logistics. The incident was reportedly not immediately reported to security agencies, creating uncertainty about the timeline of official intervention.

Fabiyi’s abduction comes barely five weeks after he raised concerns over worsening insecurity in Kwara South and called for greater collaboration between security agencies and local security groups. Speaking on May 16, the OPC leader lamented the rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in rural communities, arguing that local groups such as the OPC possessed valuable intelligence and knowledge of forest routes that could aid security operations. “We understand the forests, the routes, and the patterns. If properly engaged, we can provide intelligence, local surveillance, and rapid response within communities,” he had said. Fabiyi had attributed the security challenges in the area to the weakening of traditional institutions, poor community intelligence gathering, and the failure to fully integrate local security organisations into efforts to protect rural communities.

Kwara OPC Leader Abducted During N30m Ransom Delivery Mission

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Nasarawa Police Arrest Gunrunner, Seize 174 AK-47 Rounds in Toto

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June 24, 2026

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Nasarawa Police Arrest Gunrunner, Seize 174 AK-47 Rounds in Toto
Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel

Nasarawa Police Arrest Gunrunner, Seize 174 AK-47 Rounds in Toto

Lafia, Nasarawa State – In a major crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered 174 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition during a routine patrol along the Toto–Abaji Road.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the development in an official statement issued on Wednesday in Lafia. He described the operation as part of the command’s sustained offensive against illegal arms proliferation and rising insecurity in the state.

According to Nansel, police operatives attached to the Toto Division intercepted the suspect, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, on June 22, 2026, while conducting a stop-and-search patrol along the strategic corridor. A thorough search of his belongings uncovered 174 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, the type widely used in AK-47 rifles—a weapon frequently linked to banditry, kidnapping, and rural violence across North-Central Nigeria.

“The suspect could not provide any credible explanation regarding the source, ownership, or intended destination of the ammunition,” Nansel stated. “He is currently in custody, and intensive investigations are ongoing to unravel the criminal network behind this illegal consignment and apprehend other accomplices.”

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Security analysts note that the Toto–Abaji axis has become a noted transit route for arms smuggling, often used to ferry weapons into Nasarawa and neighbouring states. This seizure is seen as a significant blow to the logistics chain of criminal elements operating in the region.

Reacting to the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance on arms trafficking and all forms of violent crime. He stressed that the police have intensified intelligence-led surveillance, strategic road patrols, and community partnerships to deny criminals freedom of movement.

“There will be no safe haven for criminals in Nasarawa State,” CP Mohammed declared. “We are determined to identify, track, and bring every offender to justice. We will continue to deploy all lawful measures to safeguard residents and maintain public security.”

The commissioner also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information. He assured the public that all shared intelligence would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

This operation underscores the Nasarawa Police Command’s proactive approach to curbing the inflow of illegal weapons, which many experts regard as a primary driver of farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping-for-ransom, and armed banditry in the state.

Nasarawa Police Arrest Gunrunner, Seize 174 AK-47 Rounds in Toto

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