Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command have arrested four suspected members of a counterfeiting syndicate linked to the notorious “Sai Mallam” cult group in a coordinated intelligence‑led operation, while also rescuing two kidnapped victims during a separate anti‑bandit raid in Binji Local Government Area. The arrests followed a tip‑off from a resident who reported suspicious activities at a house in the Mana area of Sokoto metropolis, allegedly owned by one Yusufa Auditor, who remains at large.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, operatives of the Command’s Strike Force Unit carried out an intelligence-led raid on May 19 in the Mana area of Sokoto metropolis following information provided by a resident. The operation targeted a house allegedly owned by one Yusufa Auditor, who is currently at large. Those arrested were identified as Saifullahi Aminu of the Dallatu Road area, Ahmad Sarkin Aski of the Mana area, Muhammadu Lawali (also known as Gunda) from Dange Shuni LGA, and Usama Muhammad (alias Na’Ukada).
Police said exhibits recovered from the premises included counterfeit CFA currencies, fake United States dollar bills, counterfeit naira notes, assorted charms, SIM cards, ATM cards, fake gold stones, and a “magic box” allegedly used in producing fake money. The suspects also possessed genuine cash suspected to be proceeds of crime, multiple SIM cards, rings, and other incriminating items.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to conspiring with another fleeing suspect, Yanusa S. Aski, to defraud victims through fake money‑doubling schemes. The statement disclosed that the suspects deceived unsuspecting victims by collecting their money, performing magic tricks, and falsely convincing them that they were multiplying currency. “The suspects confessed to criminally cheating unsuspecting victims by collecting their money, performing magic tricks and falsely convincing them that they were multiplying currency,” the statement said.
The syndicate’s operations extended beyond simple counterfeiting. The suspects also used the fake currency, charms, and “magic box” to instill fear and manipulate victims into parting with their hard‑earned money. The “Sai Mallam” cult group, to which the syndicate is linked, has been the target of a sustained crackdown by the Sokoto State Police Command. Earlier in January 2026, the police arrested two key members of the “Sai Malam” network, recovering a large scorpion, counterfeit naira, dollars, and CFA currencies. The group is known for its involvement in financial fraud, intimidation, and the use of charms to perpetrate crimes.
In a separate operation on May 20, 2026, police operatives attached to Binji Police Station, in collaboration with personnel of the Army Forward Operating Base, foiled a bandit attack on Jareedi village in Binji LGA. The attackers reportedly stormed the community late at night, firing sporadically before abducting two residents, identified as Umar Faruku, 30, and Husa Abdullahi, 52.
Tactical teams immediately responded to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee into a nearby forest and abandon their captives. One of the rescued victims sustained a minor injury on his right leg and was rushed to the hospital for treatment before being discharged.
The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the operatives involved in both operations and praised residents for providing useful intelligence to security agencies. “We now call on all residents of the Caliphate to continue providing timely, actionable information to security agencies. Your eyes and ears are critical to dismantling all forms of crime and criminality in our beloved state,” Shaffa said.
He assured residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts against cultism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities across the state. The police have also intensified monitoring and surveillance in the affected areas, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and trace the origins of the counterfeit currency.
The recovery of the “magic box” and charms highlights the growing use of fraudulent and occult practices by criminal networks to exploit vulnerable victims. The police have urged members of the public to be wary of any promises of quick wealth or money‑doubling schemes and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
As of the time of this report, all four suspects remain in police custody, and efforts are ongoing to arrest their accomplices and recover additional items linked to the syndicate’s operations. The Commissioner of Police has reiterated that the command will leave no stone unturned in its effort to rid the state of criminal elements.
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