Communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State are reeling under intense pressure as armed bandit groups impose heavy levies running into tens of millions of naira in what residents describe as an increasingly brazen regime of extortion.
A security source identified as Bakatsine confirmed this in a post shared on his X handle on Friday.
First Daily correspondent learnt that in Danjibga town alone, bandits have demanded ₦8 million from residents.
The levy includes ₦4 million as “compensation” for two motorcycles allegedly seized from the criminals by security operatives, and another ₦4 million over money they claim was taken by a youth in the community.
To enforce compliance, the armed group reportedly intercepted a vehicle transporting 100 bags of soybeans, abducted its four occupants, and held both the vehicle and the captives until the demanded amount was raised.
The victims were expected to be released only after full payment.
The extortion has now spread to nearby villages within the same district, with communities being forced to meet steep financial demands.
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The affected communities include, Kagana – ₦4 million, Bare-Bari – ₦4 million, and Kurin Ganwa – ₦40 million.
Residents say these escalating levies underscore the deteriorating security situation in the state and the growing audacity of bandit groups who continue to exploit vulnerable communities with little resistance.
Villagers are urgently appealing for intervention from the Zamfara State Government and federal security agencies, warning that without swift and decisive action, more communities may fall under the grip of forced taxation, abduction, and violence.
As of the time of this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest developments.