Armed groups in Kano and Katsina states are allegedly extorting farmers, demanding up to ₦50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers before harvest.
These groups have established a presence in Rugu Forest in Katsina State and Falgore Forest in Kano State, imposing illegal farm levies and threatening non-compliant farmers.
Farmers who refused to pay face intimidation, crop destruction, and violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their lands.
The affected areas are crucial for sugarcane and maize production, supplying markets like Dawanau Market in Kano.
Experts warned that sustained disruption could lead to food shortages and price increases across northern Nigeria.
Despite security checkpoints, armed groups operate nearby, raising concerns about security effectiveness.
Residents describe the situation as a gradual takeover, with armed actors controlling daily economic activities.
There’s a growing call for intervention by state governments and federal security agencies to dismantle these parallel structures and avert a food-security crisis.