Residents of at least 10 rural communities in Kebbi State are living in fear following the emergence of a new terrorist group known as "Sai Mallam," which has reportedly imposed a monthly levy of N5 million on affected villages while threatening attacks and the seizure of farmlands for non-compliance.

According to reports, the affected communities are located across the Argungu and Zuru Emirates. In Argungu, the communities include Alwasa, Danba, Sarkin Gobir, Unwara and Zazzagawa, while Zodi, Tadurga, Senchi, Ciroman and Dabai are among those affected in Zuru. Community sources alleged that the group has ordered residents to raise the monthly payment or face violent reprisals.

Residents also claimed the group quietly relocated to Kebbi State in the first quarter of 2026 after facing pressure elsewhere and has since intensified recruitment efforts, targeting vulnerable youths with promises of financial support, food supplies and extremist indoctrination. Many of those reportedly recruited are said to be Almajiri children and youths from neighbouring countries.

The Kebbi State Government recently acknowledged the presence of the "Sai Mallam" sect. Speaking during a town hall meeting with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North-West, the State Security Adviser, retired Colonel Danladi Ribah, confirmed that the group has established a noticeable presence in parts of Argungu after initially emerging in Zuru. He added that security agencies are collaborating with the state government to contain the threat.

Ribah further disclosed that Kebbi continues to face security challenges from several armed groups operating across neighbouring states and international borders, including Lakurawa terrorists, Mamudawa and bandits. He said the state government has continued to provide logistics and financial support to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations.

Despite these assurances, residents have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently deploy more military personnel to the affected communities, warning that failure to act swiftly could allow the group to strengthen its foothold and worsen insecurity across Kebbi State.