Bandits impose N50,000 ‘farm tax’ on Kano, Katsina farmers

Armed groups operating in parts of Kano and Katsina states are reportedly extorting farmers, demanding as much as N50,000 per acre from sugarcane cultivators ahead of harvest, as they impose an informal system of control over major forest reserves in the region.

Reports indicate that these criminal elements have entrenched themselves in the Rugu Forest of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State and Falgore Forest in Doguwa LGA of Kano State.

There, they levy illegal “farm taxes” and intimidate farmers who fail to comply.

Farmers who resist the payments reportedly face threats, destruction of their crops, and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farms.

While sugarcane growers are the main targets, maize farmers have also suffered disruptions.

Activist Bakatsine, who operates under the handle @DanKatsina50, noted that the forests are located within the Kano–Katsina agricultural belt a key farming corridor supplying sugarcane and maize to major markets, including Dawanau Market in Kano.

Experts warn that if these disruptions persist, it could lead to food shortages and higher prices across Northern Nigeria.

Despite military and police checkpoints along Falgore Road, reports suggest that bandits continue to operate within five kilometres of these security posts.

Residents and local farmers describe the situation as a creeping takeover, with armed groups effectively enforcing their own rules, collecting levies, and controlling local economic activities without significant resistance.

As of now, neither the Kano nor Katsina state governments, nor security agencies, have issued official statements addressing the extortion and threats.

In a related matter, the Katsina State government defended its recent release of 70 individuals suspected of involvement in banditry.

Speaking on a live programme, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, explained that the release was part of a peace agreement between repentant bandits and affected communities.

The arrangement, covering at least 15 local councils, has seen about 1,000 individuals freed by these repentant armed actors.