Sani Haruna
The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging the existence of a terrorist group known as “Sai Mallam” operating in parts of the state, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. He clarified that no such terrorist group exists in Kebbi State.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the reports stemmed from a misunderstanding of the activities of a cybercrime syndicate locally known as “Yan Vocal,” which operates primarily in Argungu Local Government Area.
The syndicate, made up mostly of youths aged between 19 and 24, is involved in hacking social media accounts, creating fake online identities, and using blackmail, threats, and other deceptive tactics to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Police said the group targets prominent individuals, including political office holders, traditional and religious leaders, business owners, and other influential personalities both within and outside Nigeria.
The suspects allegedly employ sophisticated cybercrime techniques, including video editing applications and pre-recorded explicit videos, to deceive victims into believing they are participating in live video calls with women. The manipulated content is then used to blackmail victims for financial gain.
The Command disclosed that a coordinated intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of 13 suspects linked to the syndicate.
Among those arrested are Ahmed Nasir, Rabiu Sani, Sadiq Umar, and Umar Nasir, all from Argungu, who allegedly conspired to obtain nude images of a female victim and demanded ₦1 million from her under the threat of exposing the images.
Similarly, Faisal Muhammed and Abbas Baraye were arrested for their alleged involvement in online extortion using explicit images.
In another case, Abdullahi Abubakar, Abdulhamid Mukhtar, and Al’amin Aminu allegedly defrauded a victim of ₦3 million after manipulating a video to falsely portray the victim as participating in a live video call with a naked woman.
The police also arrested Haliru Bashar, Abubakar Faruk, Almustapha Munnir, and Saifullahi Nata’ala for allegedly obtaining a nude video of a female acquaintance through a sex-related Snapchat group and threatening to expose the footage for personal gain.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, warned that cybercrime remains a serious criminal offence with severe legal consequences. He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the online activities of their children and wards to discourage involvement in fraudulent activities.
He also advised members of the public to exercise caution when using social media, safeguard their personal information, avoid suspicious online interactions, and promptly report cases of cyber extortion or blackmail to the nearest police station.