Bandits slam N50,000 farm levy on Kano, Katsina growers as illegal rule spreads
Global Mirror News gathered and verified reports reveal a deepening security and economic crisis across farming settlements in Kano and Katsina States, where armed bandit groups have introduced an illegal taxation regime targeting rural farmers.
Investigations show that the armed groups are demanding as much as ₦50,000 per acre from sugarcane farmers before they are allowed to harvest their crops.
The extortion racket is reportedly enforced from strongholds inside the Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and the Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, two areas that have become notorious hideouts for criminal gangs.
Sources within the affected communities told Global Mirror News that the bandits have created what residents describe as a “parallel Government,” collecting levies, issuing threats, and punishing any farmer who refuses to comply.
Those who default are allegedly subjected to crop destruction, harassment, and in some cases violent attacks, forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands.
Although sugarcane growers are the primary targets, maize farmers have also been affected, further weakening food production in the region.
The forests where the gangs operate are strategically located within the Kano–Katsina food belt, a major agricultural corridor that supplies large quantities of sugarcane and maize to markets such as Dawanau Market in Kano, one of the largest food hubs in Northern Nigeria.
Security activist Bakatsine, who operates the X account @DanKatsina50, noted that the occupation of these forest reserves has turned them into operational bases for bandit groups who now regulate farming activities through fear and violence.
Experts warn that the continued disruption of farming in the corridor could soon translate into food shortages and rising prices across Northern Nigeria, as thousands of farmers are either unable or unwilling to continue cultivation under constant threats.
Despite the presence of Military and Police checkpoints along the Falgore Road, Global Mirror News gathered that bandits are operating within five kilometres of security positions, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security deployments.
Residents described the situation as a slow but steady takeover, with armed groups controlling economic activities, enforcing illegal rules, and collecting money with little resistance.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kano nor Katsina State Governments, nor Security Agencies, had issued an official response to the latest allegations.
Katsina Government defends release of suspected bandits
In a related development, the Katsina State Government has defended its controversial decision to release 70 persons suspected to have been involved in banditry-related activities.
Speaking during a live broadcast, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, said the release was part of a peace agreement between “repentant bandits” and communities affected by years of violence.
According to him, the peace deal, which involved at least 15 Local Government Areas, has already resulted in the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by armed groups seeking to reintegrate into society.
However, the continuing imposition of illegal taxes on farmers has raised doubts among residents about the sincerity and effectiveness of the ongoing peace initiatives.
