By: Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

A disturbing new security threat has reportedly emerged within Sokoto metropolis and surrounding local government areas, following the spread of a secret society group popularly known as Sai-Malan.

According to credible security sources, the group, which is said to have originated from Illela Local Government Area, has now expanded its presence to at least three additional LGAs, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, and Goronyo. Its activities, authorities warn, pose a growing danger to residents and require urgent intervention.

In a statement issued by the Sokoto State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai (anipr), the group is believed to be involved in a range of criminal activities, including cultism, fraud, ritual practices, homosexuality, and other rising crimes within affected communities.

What the Group Aims to Achieve

The police spokesperson outlined several troubling objectives associated with the group:

Promotion of cultism, ritual killings, and other criminal ventures.
Building influence and immunity through alleged connections with highly placed political leaders and wealthy individuals regarded as their “godfathers.”
Mass recruitment of youths by offering large sums of money.
Distribution of brand-new red motorcycles (popularly called Rover-Rover) to newly initiated members.
Engagement in ritual activities requiring bloodshed.
How to Identify Members

Authorities have released indicators to help the public recognize suspected members. These include:

Use of red motorcycles (Rover-Rover) as a symbol of membership.
Motorcycles with covered plate numbers or plates decorated with a skull symbol in red.
High-speed movements within town, reportedly aiming to hit unsuspecting victims, especially children and young women.
Distribution of money to youths and children, often with hidden intentions linked to initiation or ritual obligations.
Involvement in fraud, homosexuality, and other illicit acts.
Wearing expensive and neatly coordinated clothing.
Quick release whenever arrested, raising suspicion of high-level protection.

Communities Most Affected

The security concern is reportedly more pronounced in several areas within Sokoto metropolis, including:

Unguwar Rogo
Minannata
Tudun Wada
Parts of Mabera
Potential Impact on the State

Security analysts warn that allowing the group to grow unchecked may result in:

A major breakdown of law and order.
An increase in road crashes linked to reckless motorcycle riders.
Rising cases of ritual killings, kidnappings, and disappearances, especially involving children and youths.
Escalation of criminality with possible alliances with terrorist networks such as Boko Haram, bandits, or other violent groups.
Heightened risks to security personnel, who may become primary targets during arrests.

Recommended Actions

To curb the spread and influence of the group, the police statement recommended the following:

Intensive public awareness campaigns through newspapers, social media, and religious platforms, including sermons in mosques and churches.
Rapid identification and arrest of the group’s leaders, financiers, and recruiters to prevent further expansion.
Prosecution of all offenders found culpable.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.