Police dismiss terror claims against ‘Sai Malam’ in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed claims that the group popularly known as “Sai Malam” is a designated terrorist organisation, saying investigations into its activities have not established any terrorism-related offences.

In a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, the police said they were aware of reports alleging the group’s resurgence in parts of Argungu Local Government Area and had commenced investigations using actionable intelligence to verify the claims.

The command explained that individuals arrested and prosecuted in Zuru in February 2026 were investigated for alleged criminal offences, not terrorism.

The statement said, “Those arrested in relation to the crime in Zuru last February were investigated for alleged criminal offences and not on terrorism.

“Items recovered from the suspects included suspected counterfeit currencies of various countries, including the Nigerian Naira, United States Dollar, CFA Franc and Libyan Dinar, as well as suspected ritual or occult objects and other related materials.”

It added that no firearms were recovered from the suspects during the investigation.

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The police reiterated their commitment to combating all forms of crime and maintaining law and order across the state, assuring residents that anyone found engaging in criminal activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The command also urged members of the public to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing investigations and enhance public safety.

The clarification followed growing concern on social media and reports claiming that the “Sai Malam” group had resurfaced in Argungu Local Government Area as a terrorist organisation.

The reports also referenced the February 2026 arrest of suspected members in Zuru Emirate, fuelling speculation about alleged links to terrorism.

However, the police maintained that investigations into the February arrests did not establish terrorism-related offences, noting that the suspects were prosecuted over alleged criminal activities involving counterfeit currencies and suspected ritual items.

The command said the current investigation was aimed at verifying the fresh claims and identifying anyone involved in criminal activities, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.