Kebbi State Government Denies Rise of New Insurgent Group

The Kebbi State government has officially refuted claims regarding the emergence of a new insurgent group known as “Sai Malam.” During a media visit in Abuja, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, dismissed the reports as deliberate misinformation orchestrated for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the commissioner, state security investigations into the rumors revealed that there is no active terror cell operating under that name. Instead, authorities identified a group of individuals involved in cybercrime and online extortion often referred to locally as “Yan Vocal” who have been mischaracterized as an insurgent threat. The commissioner confirmed that security agencies have already made arrests related to these criminal activities.

The state government also addressed recent media reports claiming that 130 children die daily in Kebbi State due to high mortality rates. Officials labeled these statistics as fabricated, noting that such figures are mathematically impossible given the state’s population demographics. Furthermore, the government stated that they have consulted with international aid organizations, who confirmed that no such data or reports had been issued by them.

State officials argued that these narratives are part of a broader campaign of disinformation designed to discredit the current administration. They emphasized that opposition elements are spreading half-truths to gain political leverage, urging the public to exercise caution regarding sensationalist reports.

In response to these developments, media leadership encouraged government communication teams to adopt a more proactive approach to information management. By prioritizing the release of verified facts, the state aims to counter the influence of citizen journalism and the rapid spread of AI-generated misinformation, ensuring that the public receives accurate updates on government activities and security realities.