The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspected members of the notorious “Sai Malam” cult group, whose activities have been unsettling communities across the state.
The suspects, including their alleged coordinator, Usman Shu’aibu, were picked up at about 11 p.m. on Friday during an intelligence-driven operation carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Police investigations revealed that the cult group allegedly operated an online recruitment channel through a WhatsApp group called “Red Chamber,” which detectives say was deliberately created to lure and initiate unsuspecting youths.
According to the police, the suspects confessed that the platform served as an entry point into activities described as “criminal and morally corrupt,” including occult practices, pursuit of supernatural powers, and violent gang operations.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa said the arrests followed persistent concerns raised by residents.
“We want to assure the good people of Sokoto that we have been listening. This operation is a direct response to their calls for action,” the CP said.
“By dismantling this cell, we have taken an important step toward safeguarding our communities.”
The Command expressed concern over the rising use of digital platforms by criminal groups to target young people and issued a strong advisory to parents and guardians.
They were urged to monitor their children’s online activities, watch for unusual behavioural changes, and report suspicious groups or digital interactions.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ahmad Rufai warned that online platforms were becoming fertile ground for criminal exploitation.
“The ‘Red Chamber’ discovery underscores the need for parents to be vigilant,” he said.
“We encourage families to keep open communication with their children and to alert the police to any suspicious online engagements.”
The Command said investigations are ongoing to arrest additional members of the Sai Malam network.
