Armed groups operating in parts of Kano and Katsina states have allegedly imposed illegal farm levies on local farmers, demanding as much as N50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers before they are allowed to harvest their produce.
Gatekeepers News reports that the reports indicate the bandits have entrenched themselves within the Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and the Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, where they are said to be enforcing a parallel system of governance.
According to the reports, the armed groups collect illegal “farming taxes” and issue threats against farmers who fail to comply with their demands.
Farmers who refuse to pay the levies reportedly face intimidation, destruction of crops and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farmlands. While sugarcane farmers are said to be the primary targets, maize production in the area has also been affected.
An activist, Bakatsine, who shared details of the situation on X via the handle @DanKatsina50, said the forests are strategically located within the Kano–Katsina food belt — a major agricultural corridor supplying sugarcane and maize to large markets such as Dawanau Market in Kano.
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 are operating within five kilometres of the security positions.
Residents and farming communities reportedly described the situation as a gradual takeover, with armed actors imposing rules, collecting levies and exercising control over daily economic activities with little or no resistance.
As of press time, there was no official response from the Kano and Katsina state governments or security agencies on the alleged extortion.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Katsina State Government has justified the release of 70 persons suspected of involvement in banditry-related activities.
Speaking during a live programme, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, said the release was carried out as part of a peace deal between repentant bandits and communities affected by insecurity.
Muazu explained that the peace agreement, which involved at least 15 local government areas, had resulted in the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by repentant bandits.
