Armed groups operating in parts of Kano and Katsina states have allegedly imposed illegal farm taxes on farmers, demanding as much as N50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers ahead of harvest, in what residents describe as a creeping takeover of key forest reserves.
Reports indicate that the armed actors have entrenched themselves in the Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and the Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State. From these bases, they are said to be enforcing a parallel system of governance—collecting levies, issuing threats and punishing defiance.
Farmers who refuse to comply reportedly face intimidation, destruction of crops and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farmlands entirely. While sugarcane farmers are the primary targets, maize production has also been severely affected.
Activist Bakatsine, posting on X under the handle @DanKatsina50, noted that the forests sit within the Kano–Katsina food belt, a strategic agricultural corridor supplying sugarcane and maize to major markets, including Dawanau Market in Kano. Analysts warn that continued disruption in the area could lead to food shortages and higher prices across Northern Nigeria.
Despite the presence of military and police checkpoints along Falgore Road, the report claimed that armed groups are operating within five kilometres of security positions. Residents say the situation amounts to a gradual occupation, with the groups enforcing rules, collecting levies and controlling daily economic activities with little resistance.
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As of press time, neither the affected state governments nor security agencies had issued an official response.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State government has defended the recent release of 70 individuals 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 was part of a peace deal involving repentant bandits and affected communities.
According to Muazu, the agreement entered into by at least 15 local government areas has already led to the release of about 1,000 captives by bandits who agreed to lay down their arms.
