In an effort to set the record straight regarding the security situation in Kebbi State, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, recently traveled to Abuja to address growing public concern. During a high-level visit to the headquarters of the Media Trust Group, the Commissioner categorically debunked sensational reports circulating about the emergence of a new insurgent group dubbed “Sai Malam.” According to Ahmed, these claims are not only baseless but are being actively weaponized by political detractors intended to create unnecessary panic and malign the reputation of the state government. By bringing this message directly to the media, the authorities are attempting to reclaim the narrative and reassure residents that their peace of mind remains a top priority.
The Commissioner emphasized that the state’s security apparatus, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), has conducted thorough investigations into these rumors and found no evidentiary support for the existence of such a terrorist organization. Instead, the narrative being peddled appears to be a gross mischaracterization of a different criminal element. Ahmed clarified that the individuals linked to the “Sai Malam” moniker were actually identified as cybercriminals who had been using digital platforms to extort and blackmail prominent, wealthy individuals. By intentionally rebranding these common digital criminals as an insurgent group, those behind the misinformation campaign have sought to manufacture a climate of fear and political instability that simply does not reflect the reality on the ground.
Beyond merely dismissing the rumors, Commissioner Ahmed highlighted the robust and proactive measures the Kebbi State government is taking to ensure the safety of its citizens. He pointed out that the administration has heavily invested in the logistical backbone of local security, ensuring that agencies like the Nigerian Army, the Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are well-equipped to perform their duties. This support extends beyond standard equipment; the state has also extended its hand to local hunters and vigilante groups, recognizing that community-based security is an essential piece of the puzzle. By providing vehicles, motorcycles, and ongoing welfare improvements, the state is demonstrating a firm commitment to maintaining order through tangible investment rather than empty rhetoric.
A significant portion of the Commissioner’s discourse touched on the broader, ongoing national debate regarding the structure of the Nigerian security architecture. Ahmed expressed his clear support for the establishment of state police, arguing that the current centralized system often lacks the agility required to tackle localized security threats effectively. He posited that granting governors more oversight of police operations within their jurisdictions would allow for more immediate and culturally informed responses to breaches of law. From his perspective, the evolution of the policing model is not just a policy preference but a strategic necessity, as local authorities are often the first to recognize and understand the specific vulnerabilities of their unique environments.
The visit to the Media Trust Group was framed as a strategic move to foster a stronger partnership between the government and the media, which the Commissioner views as a critical ally in national development. The objective is to move beyond the reactive cycle of debunking misinformation and instead focus on a proactive, consistent flow of information regarding the government’s developmental milestones. By inviting the media to engage more closely with the realities of Kebbi State, the Commissioner hopes to ensure that the public receives nuanced, factual reporting that highlights real-world progress rather than being distracted by the divisive agendas of political saboteurs.
In response, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Media Trust Group, Ahmed Shekarau, welcomed the government’s efforts to align with the media and pledged a continued commitment to balanced, professional coverage. He acknowledged the media house’s recent expansion—noting its transformation into an integrated multimedia giant encompassing television, radio, and high-impact digital platforms—and noted that this broad reach creates a vital responsibility to ensure that citizens have access to verified information. Both the government and the media collective left the meeting with a shared outlook: that through transparency and collaboration, the spread of falsehoods can be curbed, paving the way for a more stable and informed citizenry that can distinguish between genuine security threats and the noise of political mischief.