Kebbi Police Deny Existence of 'Sai Mallam' Terror Group

The Kebbi Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer Bashir Usman, has refuted claims regarding the existence of a terrorist group known as 'Sai Mallam' in Kebbi State. The clarification was made following investigations that revealed the reports originated from a cybercrime syndicate engaged in online fraud and blackmail.

This syndicate, primarily composed of youths aged 19 to 24, operates mainly in the Argungu Local Government Area. They specialize in hacking social media accounts and creating fake online identities to extort money from unsuspecting victims, including political office holders, traditional and religious leaders, and business owners.

The police conducted intelligence-led operations from June 26 to June 29, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspects, including individuals like Ahm Nasir and Rabiu Sani, who were allegedly involved in obtaining nude images of female victims and demanding financial payments under threat of exposure. The police emphasized that there is no terrorist group by that name in Kebbi, countering circulating misconceptions.