Bandits Demand ₦40m Levy From Sokoto Residents, Threaten Fresh Attack

Residents of several communities in Sokoto State have reportedly received a fresh demand for ₦40 million from bandits threatening renewed attacks if the levy is not paid.

The demand has heightened fears among residents already affected by insecurity and repeated attacks by armed groups operating in parts of the state.

Community sources said the bandits communicated the demand to residents and warned that failure to meet the payment would attract further attacks.

The affected communities have reportedly been under pressure from criminal groups demanding money, food and other forms of support in exchange for temporary access to farms and settlements.

The latest development has increased concerns among residents who fear that rejecting the demand could expose their communities to violence, abductions and destruction of property.

Residents have appealed to the government and security agencies to intervene before the deadline issued by the bandits expires.

They also called for stronger security operations around vulnerable communities and farming areas, particularly as residents depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The reported levy is part of a broader pattern of financial demands by armed groups operating in parts of north-western Nigeria. Such demands have increasingly been used to control communities, restrict movement and generate revenue for criminal activities.

Residents caught between the demands of armed groups and the need to maintain their livelihoods have continued to express concerns over the security situation.

The latest threat could also disrupt farming activities if residents are forced to abandon their farms or restrict movement because of fears of attack.

Community leaders are expected to engage with government authorities and security agencies over possible measures to protect residents and prevent the threatened attacks.

Security agencies have repeatedly warned residents against negotiating directly with criminal groups and urged communities to provide timely information that could assist security operations.

The demand for ₦40 million has therefore placed additional pressure on affected residents, many of whom are already struggling with the economic consequences of insecurity.

The situation remains closely monitored as residents await possible intervention from the authorities.

The reported threat also underscores the continuing challenge facing security agencies in parts of Sokoto and other north-western states, where armed groups have exploited difficult terrain and isolated settlements to carry out attacks.

Residents are hoping that security forces will strengthen their presence in the affected areas and prevent the bandits from carrying out their threat.

Authorities have yet to publicly confirm whether the ₦40 million demand was made across all the affected communities or disclose the exact deadline issued by the bandits.