The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough against the criminal network known as the “Sai Malam,” with the arrest of two suspected key members of the group.

The command also confirmed the arrest of kidnapping and banditry suspects in separate operations across Yabo and Silame local government areas of the state.

Items recovered from the two “Sai Malam” suspects include a large scorpion, two bags of suspected counterfeit currency (naira, dollars, and CFA francs) in various denominations, a POS machine, assorted white papers, perfumes, fetish materials and charms, a red scarf believed to be an identifier of the group, five animal horns, a sharp cutlass, and other ritual-related objects.

The suspects, Abdulrazak Salihu (alias Monosa) of Polytechnic Quarters and Habibu Sahabi (alias Habibi) of 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 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 remains committed to dismantling the network’s activities across the state.

Rufa’i recalled earlier briefings on November 29 and December 19, 2025, highlighting sustained efforts to degrade the group’s capacity.

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 apprehended.

In separate operations, the command also disrupted a banditry network in Yabo and Silame LGAs, arresting three key suspects linked to terror, kidnapping, and extortion.

Those arrested include Bello Sahabi, Abubakar Juli of Tudun Bakale, and Aliyu Abubakar of Tudun Jidda, all in Yabo LGA. Police said efforts are ongoing to track additional suspects who fled.

According to investigators, the suspects confessed to collaborating with one Ayuba Usman of Kilgori Village in an alleged plot to extort residents of the Tudun Bakale community by issuing a threat letter demanding ransom under the risk of violent attack.

Meanwhile, in Silame LGA, police arrested Bello Digi of Talaji Village, identified 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.”

Hitherto, the command disclosed that an Army camouflage uniform was recovered from his residence, highlighting the syndicate’s methods of operation.

In the same vein, while the command said investigations were actively ongoing to apprehend remaining accomplices, Rufa’i added, “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”, urging the public to continue their vital support by reporting any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency.

It stressed that the partnership between the police and the community remains the most potent weapon against crime, as it emphasised “If you see something, say something, and the police will definitely do something.” (The Nation)