Boko Haram Imposes Taxes On Residents In Shiroro, Other Niger Communities

Reports have emerged that Boko Haram insurgents generate income by imposing VAT and income taxes on residents on communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

Recall that Governor Sani Bello had on Monday announced the displacement of many residents by Boko Haram insurgents around Munya and Shiroro LGAs.

According to him, over 3,000 people have been displaced by bandits and Boko Haram elements around the areas.

“There are some other communities that we think are safe but a vast majority of them will have to remain here because their villages and towns have been taken over by the Boko Haram elements,” the governor said.

“I just heard they have already placed their flag in Kauri which means they have taken over the territory,” he said, expressing fears that they could soon march on Abuja.

Reacting to the governor’s claims, a police source told The Gazette that the community, Awasha, Chiri, and many others were under the control of Boko Haram insurgents, who also control trades.

Although many believe that it funds itself through kidnap for ransom and looting local communities, the police source stated that it generated income through taxation.

He said the insurgents now impose taxes on local farmers and fishermen who fish around the Shiroro lake, and residents made to pay VAT when local transactions are carried out.

Apart from paying taxes, residents also go farming for the insurgents.