Sokoto Police Dismantle ‘Sai Malam’ Gang and Bandit Networks

The relentless pursuit of criminal elements in Sokoto State has yielded significant results as the State Police Command successfully neutralized several high-profile threats. In a series of strategic operations that underscore a commitment to restoring public order, security operatives have dismantled the leadership of the notorious “Sai Malam” gang and apprehended key figures linked to kidnapping and extortion syndicates across multiple local government areas.

The breakthrough began in the late hours of January 18, 2026, when the Anti-Kidnapping Unit executed a high-stakes raid in the Wamakko Local Government Area. Acting on precise intelligence, tactical teams descended upon a hideout in Rugar Woro at approximately 11:30 pm. The operation resulted in the arrest of two primary suspects identified as Abdulrazak Salihu, better known by the alias Monosa, and Habibu Sahabi, widely referred to as Habibi.

The scene uncovered by the police offered a chilling glimpse into the diverse criminal portfolio of the “Sai Malam” group. Beyond traditional violence, the gang appeared to be heavily involved in sophisticated financial fraud and psychological warfare. During a thorough search of the premises, officers recovered a bizarre assortment of items, including two large bags filled with suspected counterfeit currency in Naira, Dollars, and CFA francs.

Further complicating the criminal profile was the discovery of a live scorpion and a collection of fetish materials, charms, and assorted perfumes. These items, along with five horns and a sharp cutlass, suggest a tactical reliance on intimidation and ritualistic fear to control victims. The presence of a Point of Sale (POS) machine and stacks of white paper further indicates a link to “wash-wash” scams and digital financial crimes.

The police have also identified a red scarf as a specific “uniform” or identifier for the gang’s members. While Salihu and Sahabi are currently in custody, the Command has declared three other associates—Rilwanu Umar, Abdullahi Laro, and Musa Abubakar—as fugitives. The hunt for these individuals remains a top priority for state investigators as they look to permanently close the chapter on this specific criminal network.

The crackdown extended into the Silame and Yabo Local Government Areas, where police focused on disrupting the “taxation” of local communities by bandits. On January 7, 2026, operatives apprehended Bello Degi in Talaji Village. Degi is described as a high-value target who served as a bridge between local communities and kidnapping rings.

Under interrogation, Degi reportedly confessed to his role in various kidnapping operations. He admitted to receiving a share of ransom payments, specifically citing a N50,000 payout for his involvement in a recent case. A search of his residence led to the recovery of an army camouflage uniform, a tool frequently used by bandits to impersonate security personnel and deceive unsuspecting travelers.

The Yabo axis saw further success on January 12, 2026, when a specialized team arrested three men—Bello Sahabi, Abubakar Juli, and Aliyu Abubakar. The trio was allegedly part of a conspiracy to extort the residents of the Tudun Bakale community. Their method involved the use of threatening letters, a tactic designed to sow panic and force community leaders to pay “protection fees.”

The mastermind behind the extortion scheme, Ayuba Usman of Kilgori Village, was eventually tracked down and taken into custody. The original threatening letter was recovered during the arrest, serving as a critical piece of evidence in the ongoing legal proceedings. The prompt intervention by the police in this matter prevented what could have been a massive financial drain on an already vulnerable community.

Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa has emphasized that these arrests are part of a broader, more aggressive strategy to sanitize the state of banditry. The CP noted that the suspects have already been arraigned in court to ensure swift justice. He issued a stern warning to any remaining criminal elements: the state is no longer a safe haven for their activities, and they must either surrender or prepare for the consequences of the law.

The Command continues to highlight the importance of community-led intelligence. Police officials stated that the success of the Wamakko and Silame raids was largely due to “credible information” provided by patriotic citizens. This synergy between the public and the police is seen as the most effective weapon against the evolving tactics of banditry and fraud in the region.

As Sokoto navigates these security challenges, the recent neutralization of the “Sai Malam” leadership serves as a significant morale booster for both the residents and the security forces. The recovery of counterfeit currency and ritualistic tools highlights the multi-dimensional nature of modern crime in Nigeria, where traditional banditry often intersects with fraud and spiritual intimidation.

The Sokoto State Police Command remains on high alert, with ongoing patrols and intelligence gathering aimed at capturing the remaining members of the “Sai Malam” gang. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements in their neighborhoods to ensure that the current momentum in the fight against crime is maintained throughout the year.