Bandits Demand N20m Levy from Katsina Communities Despite Peace Deals

|By Adekunle Adejumo and Comfort Awaji-ikanminsan

Bandits loyal to notorious armed leader Isiya Kwashen Garwa have reportedly imposed fresh levies of N10 million each on the communities of Garin Lamido and Yan Shuni in Bakori Local Government Area, deepening fears over worsening insecurity in the state.

The latest demands come despite several peace agreements previously brokered between local authorities, community leaders and representatives of armed groups operating in the area.

The development was disclosed by security analyst and conflict journalist, Bakastine, in a post on X, where he raised concerns about the continued vulnerability of rural communities across Katsina State.

According to him, the renewed levy has triggered panic among residents, forcing several families to flee their homes over fears of possible attacks.

Sources within the affected communities said the demand had heightened tension in an area already battling recurring violence and limited security presence.

Residents also questioned the effectiveness of previous peace agreements, describing them as a repeated cycle of negotiations followed by fresh threats and violations.

Despite ongoing military and security operations in parts of Katsina State, armed groups are still said to maintain influence across several rural communities, worsening fears among farmers who rely on access to farmlands for survival.

The situation reflects a growing pattern across parts of north-western Nigeria, where armed groups reportedly impose levies on communities and threaten attacks when their demands are not met.

“Such arrangements, often referred to locally as ‘peace deals,’ have failed to provide lasting security, instead creating a cycle of intimidation and forced compliance,” the report noted.

Security observers have also warned that continued payment of levies could embolden armed groups and expand their control across more vulnerable settlements.

Bakastine further questioned the sustainability of existing security strategies, asking whether enough enforcement measures are in place to protect affected communities.