Bandit Kingpin Bello Turji Imposes N50m ‘Farming Tax’ On Zamfara, Niger Communities

Residents of several farming communities across Zamfara and Niger States have been hit with yet another wave of extortion as notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, demanded N50 million before allowing them to begin this year’s farming season.

The demand was revealed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he stated that the bandit has imposed the fee as a condition for peace.

“Bandit leader Bello Turji is reportedly demanding 50 million from residents of Tsalaken Gulbi from Fakai village, Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, up to Qaya near the Niger border, just to let them farm this season.” Bakatsine wrote.

Turji, has long been associated with violent attacks, kidnappings, and illegal taxation of rural communities.

His control reportedly spreads to parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States.