The Kebbi State Government has raised concerns over the emergence of a new extremist group, “Sai Mallam”, warning that its growing presence could pose an additional security challenge in the North-West.

The state’s Security Adviser, Colonel Danladi Ribah (RTD), disclosed this on Friday, June 26, during a stakeholders’ security meeting with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police supervising the North-West zone, Suleiman Muhammad Abdul, in Birnin Kebbi.

“Without an iota of doubt, ‘Sai Mallam’ adherents are present in large numbers in Argungu. They were earlier detected in Zuru, though in smaller numbers,” Ribah said.

He noted that the group was first identified in neighbouring Sokoto State, where security agencies reportedly contained its activities, adding that the Kebbi State Government is working with security agencies to prevent its spread.

Ribah said the state continues to face threats from bandits, Lakurawa fighters and other criminal elements operating across border communities. According to him, Lakurawa fighters infiltrate Kebbi through Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger, while members of the Mamudawa group enter through Niger and Kwara states. He said many bandit attacks in the state originate from neighbouring Zamfara.

Governor Nasir Idris, who received the DIG at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, declared that Kebbi does not harbour bandit camps. He opined that criminal groups typically cross into the state from neighbouring territories to carry out attacks before retreating to their bases.

The governor said the state’s location along international borders with the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Benin has left some communities vulnerable to infiltration, while reaffirming support for security agencies battling insecurity in the state.

The DIG commended the state government for providing operational vehicles and armoured personnel carriers to the police, describing the intervention as a boost to security operations.