POLICE SMASH CYBERCRIME SYNDICATE, ARREST 13 SUSPECTS, CLARIFY ‘SAI MALLAM’ MISCONCEPTION IN ARGUNGU AND ZURU
The Kebbi State Police Command has clarified recent reports suggesting the emergence of a terrorist group known as "Sai Mallam" allegedly imposing levies on communities in Argungu and Zuru Emirates.
Following a detailed investigation, the Command has established that no such terrorist group exists in the State.
The reports were found to have originated from a misunderstanding of the activities of a cybercrime syndicate locally known as "Yan Vocal," operating within Argungu Local Government Area.
The syndicate, comprising mainly young persons between the ages of 19 and 24, specialises in hacking social media accounts, creating fake online identities, and using blackmail, threats, and other deceptive tactics to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Their targets include high-profile individuals such as political office holders, traditional and religious leaders, business owners, and other prominent personalities within and outside Nigeria.
The group operates by deploying sophisticated online techniques, including the use of video editing applications and pre-recorded nude videos.
They manipulate mobile devices in a way that deceives victims into believing they are engaged in live video calls with women. Subsequently, the victims are threatened with public exposure unless financial demands or other personal requests are met.
Between 26th June 2026 and date, the Command, through a coordinated intelligence-led operation, arrested thirteen suspects linked to the syndicate. Among those arrested are Ahmed Nasir, Rabiu Sani, Sadiq Umar, and Umar Nasir – all of Argungu – who conspired to obtain nude images of a female victim and demanded the sum of ₦1,000,000 from her under threat of exposure.
Also arrested were Faisal Muhammed and Abbas Baraye for their involvement in online extortion through the use of nude pictures.
In another case, Abdullahi Abubakar, Abdulhamid Mukhtar, and Al'amin Aminu allegedly defrauded a victim of ₦3,000,000 after manipulating a video to falsely portray the victim as being on a live video call with a naked woman.
Similarly, Haliru Bashar, Abubakar Faruk, Almustapha Munnir, and Saifullahi Nata'ala allegedly obtained a nude video of a female acquaintance through a sex-related Snapchat group and threatened to expose her images for personal gain.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, warns that cybercrime remains a serious criminal offence with grave consequences.
He calls on parents and guardians to closely monitor the online activities of their wards and discourage involvement in fraudulent activities.
He further advises members of the public to exercise caution on social media, protect their personal information, avoid suspicious online interactions, and promptly report cases of cyber extortion or blackmail to the nearest police station or through the Police Emergency Numbers: 09039911876 and 07081074395.
The Command reassures members of the public of its commitment to combating all forms of criminality and maintaining public safety.
All arrested suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
