Armed bandits operating in the north-eastern part of Nigeria have reportedly imposed a levy of 60 million Naira (approximately £30,000 or $40,000 USD) on twelve communities in Zamfara State.
The claim was made in a post on social media platform X by Bakatsine, a journalist covering conflict and crises in north-western Nigeria.
The twelve communities listed are Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu, all located in Zamfara State.
According to the journalist’s post, the bandits accused these communities of assisting military operations in the area. Residents reportedly fear reprisal attacks if they fail to pay the imposed levy.
The post read: “Bandits have imposed a N60m levy on 12 Zamfara communities… for allegedly aiding military raids. Residents fear attacks if they don’t pay.”
Zamfara State, like other parts of north-western Nigeria, has been plagued by the activities of heavily armed criminal gangs, often referred to as bandits, who engage in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes. These groups often operate in remote areas and have been known to exert control over local populations.
This latest report of a large-scale levy being imposed on multiple communities highlights the significant power and influence these bandit groups wield in the region and the vulnerability of local residents.
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