Police uncover cult recruiting youths via WhatsApp in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command says it has dismantled a suspected cult group that was recruiting young people across the state using a WhatsApp channel.
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In a statement released on Saturday, police spokesperson Ahmed Rufai confirmed the arrest of three individuals, including the alleged coordinator, Usman Shu’aibu. The arrests followed an operation conducted by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Friday night, targeting the group known as “Sai Malam”.
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The investigation revealed that the group make use of a WhatsApp group named “Red Chamber” to discreetly lure and initiate unsuspecting youths. Police emphasized that the platform was deliberately created to attract impressionable individuals with promises of secret powers and group loyalty.
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Acting on intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit executed a raid that led to the capture of the ringleaders. The suspects reportedly confessed to being initiated through the online platform.
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The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities closely to prevent manipulation.
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The police have launched a manhunt for fleeing members of the network. They assured residents that they are committed to dismantling criminal structures, whether they operate on the streets or online.
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