Bandits have reportedly demanded N40 million from farmers across several communities in Bena, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, before allowing them access to their farmlands for the commencement of this year’s farming season.

The development was disclosed on Saturday by security analyst and crisis journalist, Bakastine, via a post on his X handle, where he raised concerns over the continued vulnerability of rural communities in the state.

The demand has sparked panic among residents, forcing some families to abandon their communities over fears of possible attacks, while others remain uncertain about returning to their farmlands.

Sources from the affected communities said the situation has worsened tension in an area already struggling with recurring insecurity and limited security presence.

Residents and observers say the development highlights a growing pattern in parts of the North-West where armed groups impose levies on rural communities before farming activities can take place, a practice widely described as “taxation” or “peace arrangements” in local parlance.

DAILY POST gathered that such arrangements have failed to guarantee lasting peace, instead deepening cycles of intimidation, fear and forced compliance in affected communities.

Security analysts have warned that continued payment of such levies could embolden armed groups and expand their influence over rural settlements, further threatening agricultural productivity and food security.

Bakastine also questioned the sustainability of current security approaches, raising concern over the control of affected communities.

“If farmers must pay bandits before cultivating their land, who truly controls these communities?” he asked.

Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement on the development, leaving the fate of the affected communities uncertain.

Following continuous insecurity in the state, the Kaduna State Police Command said it has arrested five persons who served as informant linked to kidnapping syndicate in the state.
It said investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly provided information and logistics support to the kidnappers.

In a statement on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, he said the personnel also rescued three kidnapped victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity.

According to the statement, the rescue operation was carried out by a joint security team led by personnel from Fushin Kada, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi.

It said the rescue and arrest followed intelligence, strategic surveillance, and coordinated security efforts that led operatives to the suspected bandits’ hideout.

“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” he said.

The statement identified the rescued victims as; Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State, adding that the victims were taken to the police clinic for medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration among security agencies that led to the successful operation.

He emphasized the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, just as he urged residents to continue providing intelligence to security agencies.

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnap victims who were held for more than 40 days and arrested five suspected informants linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in parts of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out by a joint security team comprising officers from Fushin Kada Division in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Hunkuyi, following sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated surveillance.

Police said the team tracked the suspects to a suspected bandits’ hideout, where the criminals fled upon sighting advancing security operatives, abandoning the victims.

“The bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” the statement said.

The rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State.

They were taken to a police medical facility for examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.

The police also confirmed the arrest of five suspected informants alleged to have supported the kidnappers with information and logistics.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects played roles in facilitating the abduction, while interrogation is ongoing.

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers involved in the operation, describing it as a result of professionalism and inter-agency cooperation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The Commissioner added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.