The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspected key members of the notorious criminal network known as the “Sai Malam,” in a major breakthrough against organised crime in the state.
The command also confirmed the arrest of several kidnapping and banditry suspects in separate operations across Yabo and Silame local government areas.
Items recovered from the two “Sai Malam” suspects include a large scorpion, two bags containing suspected counterfeit naira, dollar and CFA currencies, 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 were identified as Abdulrazak Salihu, also known as Monosa, of Polytechnic Quarters, and Habibu Sahabi, alias Habibi, of Rugar Woro area.
Both suspects, said to be in their twenties, were arrested at a hideout traced through actionable intelligence.
The “Sai Malam” group is described as an emerging criminal network in Sokoto and neighbouring areas, largely made up of youths involved in fetish practices linked to financial fraud, intimidation and other organised crimes.
Briefing journalists in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Rufa’i, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, the command said the arrests had significantly weakened the operational capacity of the criminal gang.
“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 statement said.
Rufa’i recalled that the command had earlier briefed the public on November 29 and December 19, 2025, on sustained efforts to dismantle the network, adding 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 police also disrupted a banditry network in Yabo and Silame LGAs, arresting three suspects linked to kidnapping, terror and extortion.
Those arrested include Bello Sahabi, Abubakar Juli of Tudun Bakale, and Aliyu Abubakar of Tudun Jidda, all in Yabo LGA. Police said investigations revealed that the suspects collaborated with one Ayuba Usman of Kilgori Village in an alleged plot to extort residents of the Tudun Bakale community through threat letters demanding ransom.
Meanwhile, in Silame LGA, police arrested Bello Digi of Talaji Village, described as a high-value target and a key member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
According to the police, Digi confessed to active involvement in kidnapping operations and admitted receiving N50,000 as his share of ransom payments. An Army camouflage uniform was also recovered from his residence.
The command said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other suspects still at large, warning criminal elements to desist from illegal activities.
“Let this be a clear message to all criminal elements in Sokoto State that the police command is relentless and committed to rooting out crime in all its forms,” Rufa’i said, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.
Police smash ‘Sai Malam’ gang, arrest key suspects in Sokoto
