- Kebbi denied reports of a new insurgent group called “Sai Malam”
- The state said security agencies identified the suspects as cybercrime syndicates
- Officials also dismissed reports of high child mortality as false
The Kebbi State Government has denied reports claiming a new insurgent group known as “Sai Malam” has emerged in the state, describing the story as false and politically motivated.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, dismissed the allegation while leading a media delegation on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M. Ali, in Abuja.
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Ahmed said security investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police revealed that the individuals being referred to as “Sai Malam” are not terrorists but a group of young people allegedly involved in cybercrime and online extortion.
He explained that the report caused widespread concern, prompting numerous enquiries from within and outside the country before security agencies carried out investigations.
According to the commissioner, those arrested are members of a group locally known as “Yan Vocal,” whose activities involve using computers to defraud government officials and other individuals believed to have financial resources.
Ahmed alleged that the false report was circulated by opposition figures seeking political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also rejected claims that more than 130 children die daily in Kebbi State, insisting the figures were fabricated to portray the administration of Governor Nasir Idris negatively.
The commissioner argued that such statistics were unrealistic, adding that the state could not possibly sustain such a mortality rate without severe demographic consequences.
He further disclosed that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which was cited as the source of the report, later informed the state government that it did not issue the claim.
Ahmed appealed to NAN to support the state government by helping to promote factual reporting and counter misinformation, while highlighting the achievements of the current administration.
Responding, NAN Managing Director Ali M. Ali said the spread of fake news has become easier with the rise of citizen journalism and artificial intelligence.
He said he was initially disturbed by the report on child mortality and welcomed the Kebbi State Government’s clarification.
Ali assured the delegation that NAN would continue to uphold factual reporting and partner with the state government in disseminating accurate information.
He also urged government information managers to respond promptly to misinformation rather than waiting to react after false narratives have gained public attention.
Ali noted that with elections approaching, public officials must remain vigilant against fake news and ensure accurate information reaches the public quickly.
The delegation included the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki; Special Adviser on Communications Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru; Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris; Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Ibrahim Jombali; and Special Adviser on New Media, Aliyu Bandado.
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