Crime
Sokoto Police Arrests Notorious “Sai Malam” Cult Members, Exposes Online Recruitment via WhatsApp
During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they were initiated into the unlawful “Sai Malam” society through a private WhatsApp group named “Red Chamber.”
The Sokoto State Police Command, under the leadership of Cp Ahmed Musa,psc through its dedicated Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against organized crime with the arrest of three notorious members of a cult group known as “Sai Malam.”
The group has been a growing source of fear and concern for communities across the state.
The arrests were carried out on Friday, November 28, 2025, at about 2300 hours, following a meticulously executed operation driven by credible intelligence.
The primary suspect, Usman Shu’aibu ‘M’, along with two other accomplices, were apprehended and has since provided detailed confessions regarding the group’s activities.
During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they were initiated into the unlawful “Sai Malam” society through a private WhatsApp group named “Red Chamber.”
Investigations confirm that this digital platform was created with the explicit purpose of luring and initiating innocent youths into a wide range of criminal and morally reprehensible activities, including:
* Witchcraft and Ritualist Practices
* The pursuit of Demonic Powers
* Acts of Homosexuality
* Organized Thuggery and ViolenceIn light of these disturbing revelations, the Sokoto State Police Command issues a strong advisory warning to all parents and guardians.
The “Red Chamber” WhatsApp group highlights a dangerous trend where criminal elements are exploiting digital platforms and social media to target and corrupt the youth.
Parents are urged to:
* Actively monitor their children’s activities on smartphones and social media applications.
* Engage in open conversations about the dangers of online groups and the importance of rejecting unsolicited invitations from strangers.
* Be vigilant regarding sudden changes in their wards’ behavior, social circles, and secrecy around their phones.
* Report any suspicious online activities or peer group influences to the authorities immediately.
The arrest of these individuals is a direct response to the growing concerns and pleas from residents regarding the destabilizing activities of the “Sai Malam” group.
The Command wishes to reassure the public that their voices have been heard.”
We want to assure the good people of Sokoto that we have been listening to their concerns. The arrest of these suspects is a clear demonstration that their calls for action have been answered.
Our efforts have disrupted a key cell of this notorious group, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen,” Cp Musa stated.
The Police Command confirms that investigative efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the remaining members of the “Sai Malam” gang. The public is encouraged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and useful information.
The Command is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of all citizens within the state.
Through proactive intelligence-led policing, community cooperation, and relentless pursuit of criminal elements, we strives to maintain peace, law, and order.
Crime
More Than 23 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram-ISWAP Clash in Sambisa (Video)
More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.
The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.
A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.
Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.
The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.
Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.
Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.
Watch video below:
Crime
10 Out of 15 Abducted NYSC Members Rescued in Kogi (Video)
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.
Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.

He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.

The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
Watch the video below:
Crime
JUST IN: Terrorists kill 4, abduct others in Gorau after boat tragedy
Suspected terrorists killed four people, abducted four others and injured several more in an attack on Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday night.
The attackers invaded the community around 9pm and shot 11 residents, according to the village head, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami. Seven of those shot survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while four died instantly.
The assault came barely six days after a boat accident claimed 65 lives in the same community. Na-Batsami said the terrorists specifically targeted families of the boat mishap victims over the N1 million relief money donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family. He said the bandits went from house to house searching for the cash.
Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident and offered condolences to the affected families.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned at the time of filing this report.
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