Bandits Reportedly Form Parallel Govt In Kano, Katsina Forests

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

Naija News learnt that a conflict and crisis journalist covering insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, Bakatsine, disclosed the development, citing an investigative outlet, MA’ASUMAH.

According to Bakatsine, the armed groups 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.

Bakatsine explained that the forests sit at the heart of the Kano–Katsina food belt.

The bandits are reportedly demanding up to ₦50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers before harvest, collecting illegal farm taxes and issuing threats against non-compliant farmers.

However, farmers who refuse to pay the imposed levies face intimidation, crop destruction, and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farmlands entirely.

Sugarcane farmers are reportedly the primary targets, though maize production has also been affected.

At the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by any government authority.

In other news, no fewer than 22 persons are currently being held hostage by suspected bandits across several communities in Kwara South Senatorial District, with the criminals demanding an aggregate ransom of over ₦400 million, alongside food items and drinks, for their release.

Findings revealed that the affected communities include Adanla, Isapa, Isanlu-Isin, and Owa-Onire, areas reportedly outside the coverage of existing military and security emplacements established by the state and federal governments.

It was reliably gathered that the bandits recently migrated from communities such as Okeode, Babanla and Eruku, where the Federal Government had facilitated the establishment of military bases, to neighbouring settlements with little or no security presence.

Residents said the relocation has led to renewed waves of abductions, forcing communities to live in fear.

At least nine persons, including the monarch of Afin in Ile Ere District, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a youth corps member abducted in December, are still in captivity.

Similarly, nine persons abducted in Isapa, two victims kidnapped along the Isanlu-Isin highway earlier this year, and two others seized in Owa-Onire in December are also being held by the bandits.