Police arrest suspected cultists, recover fake currencies
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the arrest of two notorious cultists and recovered fake currencies from them.
The command said in a statement signed by DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, on Thursday, that those arrested belong to the notorious Sai Mallam cult group.
It said, “In a coordinated intelligence-led raid on May 19, 2026, at about 14:00hrs, the Command’s Strike Force Unit acted on a credible tip-off from a patriotic citizen in the Mana Area, Sokoto.
“The informant flagged suspicious activity at a residence owned by one Yusufa Auditor (currently at large).
“Upon raiding the premises, operatives arrested four members of the notorious Sai Mallam cult group and recovered an extensive cache of counterfeit currencies and magical paraphernalia used to defraud innocent citizens.”
The statement named the cultists arrested as Saifullahi Aminu, Ahmad Sarkin Aski, Muhammadu Lawali alias Gunda and Usama Muhammad alias Na’Ukada.
Items recovered from them include 8 fake bunches of 10,000 CFA, 73 pieces of fake 5,000 CFA notes, 2 pieces of counterfeit $100 USD bills, 26 pieces of fake ₦1,000 Naira notes and 97,700 genuine Naira cash.
Other items were 8 magic bottles,10 rings infused with charms, 12 pieces of assorted charms, 4 pieces of fake gold stones, 9 SIM cards, one Moniepoint ATM card, one National ID card and one magic box used to produce and print fake money.
The police said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to conspiring with one Yanusa S. Aski, now at large, “to criminally cheat victims by collecting their money, performing magic tricks, and falsely convincing them they were multiplying currency.”
Meanwhile, the command said that the timely reaction of operatives from Binji Police Station on May 20, 2026, at about 23:30hrs, led to the release of Umar Faruku, 30, and Husa Abdullahi, 52, who were kidnapped from Jareedi Village, a remote hamlet in Binji LGA
“The Police acting on high alert, swiftly mobilized all tactical teams in conjunction with the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB).
” A fierce gun duel ensued, forcing the bandits to abandon the operation and flee through a nearby forest. Both victims were rescued.
“One victim sustained a minor injury to his right leg, was rushed to the hospital, treated, and discharged. Security teams remain on vigilant patrol in the area.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the bravery of the operatives and the invaluable role of the citizen who provided the timely intelligence that led to the dismantling of the counterfeit syndicate.
He added, ” 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.
“Together, we can expose cultists, kidnappers, bandits, and fraudsters operating in our communities.
Our emergency line is: Police Control Room 08026451719.
“Let us speak up and take back our Caliphate from the hands of criminals. The Command assures every informant of complete confidentiality and protection.”
