Armed groups operating in parts of Kano and Katsina states have reportedly imposed illegal farm levies on farmers, demanding up to N50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers before harvest, as they tighten control over key agricultural zones.
The bandits 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.
Within these forest reserves, they allegedly run a parallel system of authority, collecting taxes, issuing threats and enforcing compliance among farming communities.
Farmers who fail or refuse to pay the imposed levies reportedly face intimidation, destruction of their crops and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farmlands.
Although sugarcane farmers are the primary targets, maize production in the area has also been severely affected.
According to an activist, Bakatsine, who shared details via his X handle @DanKatsina50, the affected forests lie within the Kano–Katsina food belt, a critical agricultural corridor that supplies sugarcane and maize to major markets, including the Dawanau Market in Kano.
Agricultural and security experts warn that sustained disruption of farming activities in the area could lead to food shortages and rising prices across Northern Nigeria if the situation persists.
The report further claimed that despite the presence of military and police checkpoints along the Falgore Road, armed groups are operating within a five-kilometre radius of security formations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures.
Residents and farming communities reportedly describe the situation as a gradual takeover, with armed actors enforcing rules, collecting levies and controlling daily economic activities without meaningful resistance.
As of press time, neither the Kano nor Katsina state governments, nor relevant security agencies, had issued an official response to the allegations.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Katsina State Government has defended its decision to release 70 persons suspected of involvement in banditry-related activities.
Speaking on a live programme, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, said the release followed a peace agreement reached between repentant bandits and affected communities.
He explained that the deal, which involved at least 15 local government areas, had resulted in the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by the repentant bandits.
