‎Sokoto Police Smash ‘Sai Malam’ Gang, Recover Ritual Items, Fake Currency

‎Sokoto Police Smash ‘Sai Malam’ Gang, Recover Ritual Items, Fake Currency
‎‎The “Sai Malam” group is described by the police as an emerging criminal network operating in Sokoto and neig
In Silame LGA, the police arrested Bello Digi of Talaji Village, described as a high-value target

‎The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested 2 suspected key members of a notorious criminal network known as the “Sai Malam,” marking a major breakthrough in the fight against organised crime in the state.

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‎Eko Hot Blog reports that the command also confirmed the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and bandits in separate operations across Yabo and Silame Local Government Areas.

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‎Police said items recovered from the “Sai Malam” suspects included a live scorpion, 2 bags containing suspected counterfeit naira, dollar and CFA currencies, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, assorted white papers, perfumes, charms and fetish materials. Other items recovered were a red scarf believed to be an identifier of the group, 5 animal horns, a cutlass and other ritual-related objects.

‎The suspects were identified as Abdulrazak Salihu, also known as Monosa, of the Polytechnic Quarters, and Habibu Sahabi, popularly called Habibi, of the Rugar Woro area. Both men, said to be in their twenties, were arrested at a hideout following actionable intelligence.

‎The “Sai Malam” group is described by the police as an emerging criminal network operating in Sokoto and neighbouring areas, allegedly involving youths engaged in fetish practices linked to financial fraud, intimidation and other organised crimes.

‎Sokoto Police Smash ‘Sai Malam’ Gang, Recover Ritual Items, Fake Currency

‎Briefing journalists in a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmed Rufa’i, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Musa, said the arrests had significantly weakened the gang’s operational capacity.

‎“The arrest of these individuals and the recovery of the exhibits have dealt a major blow to the operational and logistical strength of the ‘Sai Malam’ group. We believe this will disrupt planned criminal activities and lead to further arrests,” the statement said.

‎Rufa’i recalled that the command had previously briefed the public on November 29 and December 19, 2025, on ongoing efforts to dismantle the network. He added 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, police also disrupted a banditry and kidnapping network operating in Yabo and Silame LGAs, arresting 3 suspects identified as Bello Sahabi, Abubakar Juli of Tudun Bakale, and Aliyu Abubakar of Tudun Jidda, all in Yabo LGA.

‎Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly collaborated with one Ayuba Usman of Kilgori Village to extort residents of the Tudun Bakale community through threat letters demanding ransom.

‎Meanwhile, in Silame LGA, the police arrested Bello Digi of Talaji Village, described as a high-value target and a key member of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.

‎Police said Digi confessed to participating in kidnapping operations and admitted receiving N50,000 as his share of ransom proceeds. An army camouflage uniform was also recovered from his residence.

‎The command said investigations were ongoing to arrest other suspects still at large, warning criminal elements to desist from illegal activities.

‎“This should serve as a clear message that the Sokoto State Police Command remains resolute and relentless in combating crime across the state,” Rufa’i said, while urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.