Armed groups operating in the Rugu Forest (Katsina State) and Falgore Forest (Kano State) have established a parallel system of control over farmlands, allegedly extorting sugarcane farmers up to ₦50,000 per acre before allowing harvest, according to multiple reports from the region.
The bandits, who have entrenched themselves in these key forest reserves, are said to be collecting illegal “farm taxes” and issuing threats of crop destruction, intimidation, and violent attacks against farmers who refuse to comply.
Many farmers have reportedly abandoned their farmlands entirely due to the escalating fear and insecurity.
While sugarcane growers appear to be the primary targets, maize production in the area is also significantly affected.
The affected forests lie within the vital Kano–Katsina food belt, a major agricultural corridor that supplies large volumes of sugarcane and maize to key markets, including the Dawanau Market in Kano.
Activist Bakatsine highlighted the strategic importance of these locations, warning that continued disruption of farming activities could lead to food shortages and sharp price increases across Northern Nigeria.
Despite the presence of military and police checkpoints along the Falgore Road, reports indicate that the armed groups operate freely within just five kilometres of these security positions, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
Local residents and farming communities have described the situation as a gradual takeover, with armed actors enforcing their own rules, collecting levies, and exercising control over daily economic life with little apparent resistance from authorities.
As of press time, neither the Kano nor Katsina State governments, nor relevant security agencies, had issued an official response to the allegations of widespread extortion and parallel governance in the forests.
In a related development, the Katsina State government has defended its recent decision to release 70 persons suspected of banditry-related activities.
Speaking on a live programme, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, explained that the release was part of a peace agreement between repentant bandits and affected communities.
According to the commissioner, the peace deal, involving at least 15 local government areas, has resulted in the release of approximately 1,000 kidnapped persons by repentant bandits.
He described the arrangement as a step toward de-escalating insecurity and promoting reconciliation in the state.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com