Armed groups operating in parts of Kano and Katsina states have allegedly begun extorting farmers, demanding payments of up to ₦50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers ahead of harvest, as they enforce what has been described as a parallel system of governance in key forest reserves.
Reports on Friday indicated that the groups have established a presence in Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State. From these locations, they are said to be imposing illegal farm levies and issuing threats against farmers who fail to comply.
Farmers who refuse to pay the levies reportedly face intimidation, destruction of their crops, and the risk of violent attacks. The situation has forced many to abandon their farmlands entirely.
Sugarcane farmers are said to be the primary targets of the extortion, although maize production in the affected areas has also been disrupted.
According to an activist, Bakatsine, who shared the information via his X handle @DanKatsina50, the forests are strategically located within the Kano–Katsina food belt. The area serves as a major agricultural corridor supplying sugarcane and maize to large markets, including Dawanau Market in Kano.
Experts have warned that sustained disruption of farming activities in the region could lead to broader food shortages and rising prices across northern Nigeria.
Despite the presence of military and police checkpoints along the Falgore road, the report claimed that armed groups are operating within five kilometres of these security positions. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security coverage and the ability of authorities to safeguard rural communities.
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 resistance.
The development has intensified calls for immediate intervention by Kano and Katsina state governments, as well as federal security agencies, to dismantle the alleged parallel structures and avert a looming food-security crisis.
As of press time, no official response had been issued by the affected state governments or security agencies.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
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