Bandits in Zamfara and Sokoto Impose Heavy Levies on Farmers

Armed groups in Zamfara and Sokoto States have transitioned from sporadic attacks to establishing a parallel government by imposing a tax regime that severely impacts farming and contributes to food inflation in the North-west. Investigations revealed that bandits enforce three types of levies: pre-farming levy, harvest tax, and protection levy.

In June 2026, 26 communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto were forced to pay between N4 million and N6 million to access their farmlands, with individual households contributing N1,500 to N2,000. Failure to pay resulted in threats of execution or abduction.

In Dansadau District, Maru LGA of Zamfara, bandits led by Dankarami Gwaska imposed a N50 million levy following an attack on a military base, extorting approximately N360 million in two weeks. Security sources indicate that Zamfara hosts over 30,000 bandits in more than 100 camps, with notable commanders active in the region.