BANDITS ESTABLISH PARALLEL ADMINISTRATION IN KANO AND KATSINA FORESTS, DEMAND N50,000 LEVY FROM FARMERS

January 10, 2026

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Armed bandits operating in parts of Kano and Katsina States have reportedly established a parallel system of governance within key forest reserves in the region.

The groups are allegedly demanding up to N50,000 per acre from sugarcane farmers before harvest.

Conflict and crisis journalist Bakatsine, who covers insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, revealed the development, citing investigative outlet MA’ASUMAH.

According to reports on Friday, the bandits have taken control of Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State and Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. They are said to collect illegal farm taxes and issue threats to farmers who refuse to comply.

The report added that non-compliant farmers face intimidation, destruction of crops, and potential violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farmlands altogether.

Bakatsine noted that these forests lie at the heart of the Kano–Katsina food belt. While sugarcane farmers are the primary targets, maize production has also reportedly been affected.

As of press time, government authorities had not issued any official response.