Gunmen, allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have imposed a levy of ₦172.7 million on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area of Zamfara State.
Alongside the monetary demands, the group has required in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans and issued violent threats against non-compliant residents.
Counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama revealed the development in a post on his official X account, noting that the situation has caused widespread displacement.
Many villages in the area are now deserted, leaving behind ghost settlements as residents flee for safety.
Makama gave a breakdown of the levies imposed on the villages: – Gijinzama: ₦8.5M , Dakolo: ₦5M + 20 bags of soybeans, Gunja: ₦7M, Kauyen Kane: ₦5M, Kurar Mota: ₦6M, Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi: ₦2.5M, Kibari: ₦3M, Karda: ₦5M, Daga Ciki: ₦3M, Biya: ₦5M, Barebari: ₦6M, Kauyen Magaji: ₦7M, Kwaren Maisaje: ₦10M, Magazawa: ₦10M, Maciya: ₦5M, Unguwar Danhalima: ₦5M, Unguwar Rogo: ₦5M , Katanga: ₦5M, Magazu: ₦5M, Sungawa: ₦15M – Rakyabu: ₦15M, Yalwa: ₦2.7M, Tsageru: ₦5M, Gidan Anne: ₦7M, Kunchin Kalgo: ₦20M
A local source described the dire conditions, saying,“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee.”
Although security improvements have been noted along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, rural areas in Tsafe West remain vulnerable.
Residents have urgently called on Nigerian authorities to deploy additional security personnel and establish permanent posts in the region to curb the bandits’ activities.
Relief efforts are also needed to support displaced residents who have lost their homes, farmland, and livelihoods due to these violent extortions.
