Bandits Impose ₦50,000 Farming Tax on Communities in Kano, Katsina

Armed bandit groups operating in parts of Kano and Katsina states have reportedly introduced a незакон system of taxation on farmers, demanding as much as ₦50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers before they are allowed to harvest their crops.

The armed groups are said to have established strongholds in the Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and the Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State. From these locations, they impose levies on farmers, threaten defaulters, and enforce their own rules, effectively creating a parallel system of authority.

According to reports, farmers who refuse to pay the imposed fees are subjected to intimidation, destruction of their crops, and in some cases, violent attacks. This has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands entirely. Although sugarcane farmers are the main targets, maize farmers are also affected.

An activist known as Bakatsine, who posts under the X handle @DanKatsina50, said the forests lie within the Kano–Katsina food belt, one of the region’s most important agricultural corridors that supplies produce to major markets, including the Dawanau Market in Kano.

Security experts have warned that continued disruption of farming activities in the area could lead to food shortages and rising prices across northern Nigeria.

Despite the presence of military and police checkpoints along the Falgore Road, the report claimed that the armed groups operate freely within five kilometres of these security posts.

Residents and farming communities describe the situation as a gradual takeover, with bandits collecting levies, enforcing rules, and controlling economic activities with little or no resistance.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kano nor Katsina state governments, nor security agencies, had issued an official response.

Katsina Government Defends Release of 70 Suspected Bandits

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government has defended its decision to release 70 people suspected of involvement in banditry.

Speaking on a live programme, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said the release was part of a peace agreement between repentant bandits and communities affected by insecurity.

According to him, the peace deal, which involves at least 15 local government areas, has already led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by repentant bandits.