The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough against the criminal network popularly known as the “Sai Malam,” following the arrest of two suspected key members of the group.
The command also confirmed the arrest of suspected kidnappers and bandits in separate operations carried out across Yabo and Silame Local Government Areas of the state.
Items recovered from the two “Sai Malam” suspects include a large scorpion, two bags containing suspected counterfeit currencies in naira, dollars and CFA francs of various denominations, a POS machine, assorted white papers, perfumes, fetish materials and charms, a red scarf believed to serve as an identifier of the group, five animal horns, a sharp cutlass and other ritual-related objects.
The suspects, identified as Abdulrazak Salihu, also known as Monosa, of Polytechnic Quarters, and Habibu Sahabi, also known as Habibi, of the Rugar Woro area, both in their twenties, were arrested at a hideout traced through actionable intelligence.
The “Sai Malam” group is described as an emerging criminal network in the region, largely made up of youths allegedly involved in fetish practices linked to financial fraud, intimidation and other organised crimes, often relying on superstition to instil fear during operations.
“The arrest of these individuals and the recovery of these exhibits have significantly weakened the operational and logistical capacity of the ‘Sai Malam’ group. We believe this will disrupt planned criminal activities and lead to further arrests,” the command stated.
Briefing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Rufa’i, said the command remained resolute in dismantling the activities of the group across the state.
Rufa’i recalled earlier briefings held on November 29 and December 19, 2025, noting that the command had sustained efforts aimed at degrading the group’s operational strength.
He disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit tracked the suspects to a hideout in the Rugar Wauru area of Wamakko Local Government Area, where they were arrested.
In separate operations, the command also foiled a banditry network operating in Yabo and Silame LGAs, leading to the arrest of three key suspects linked to terror, kidnapping and extortion.
Those arrested were identified as Bello Sahabi, Abubakar Juli of Tudun Bakale, and Aliyu Abubakar of Tudun Jidda, all in Yabo Local Government Area, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who escaped.
Investigations revealed that the suspects confessed to working with one Ayuba Usman of Kilgori Village in an alleged plan to extort residents of the Tudun Bakale community through a threat letter demanding ransom under the risk of violent attack.
Meanwhile, in Silame Local Government Area, police arrested Bello Digi of Talaji Village, described as a high-value target and a key member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
“Digi is among the syndicates responsible for multiple kidnappings and for imposing illegal levies on communities in Silame and Yabo LGAs.
“He also confessed to his active involvement in kidnapping operations and admitted to receiving Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) as his share of a ransom payment.”
The command further disclosed that an Army camouflage uniform was recovered from his residence, highlighting the tactics employed by the syndicate.
While noting that investigations were ongoing to apprehend remaining accomplices, Rufa’i warned that the police would not relent in the fight against crime in the state.
“Let this be a clear message to all criminal elements in Sokoto State that the police command is relentless, resilient, and more than ever, committed to rooting out crime in all its forms.
“Our intelligence network is robust, and our operatives are on high alert. To those still at large, know that our net is closing in.
“Surrender yourselves or face the full consequences of the law,” he said, urging members of the public to continue supporting the police by reporting suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency.
The command stressed that effective collaboration between the police and the community remains a critical tool in combating crime, emphasising that “If you see something, say something, and the police will definitely do something.”
