Zurmi, Zamfara State – August 2, 2025
Fear and uncertainty have gripped four gold-mining communities in Zamfara State following a demand by a notorious bandit kingpin for a massive “protection levy” in gold.
According to local sources, the terror leader, identified simply as Sani Black, sent emissaries to communities in Zurmi Local Government Area, including Dada, Gidan Shaho, Marmaro, and Rimni, ordering them to deliver 150 kilograms of pure gold. The kingpin reportedly warned that failure to meet his demand would lead to violent attacks on residents.
Unprecedented Demand
While communities across Zamfara have been forced to pay cash levies to armed groups in the past, the demand for gold represents a new trend linked to the region’s booming illegal mining industry. Observers note that bandits are increasingly targeting mineral resources as a source of funding for their operations, further complicating government efforts to curb insecurity in the state.
Communities in Panic
Residents described a climate of fear since the demand was issued, with some families already fleeing to neighboring areas. Those who remain are said to be debating whether to attempt negotiations, pool resources to meet the demand, or appeal to authorities for intervention.
A resident who spoke under anonymity said:
“This is not the first time they are demanding money, but this time they are asking for gold, and it is beyond what we can meet. People are afraid because we know what they can do if their demands are ignored.”
Wider Trend of Extortion
This latest development follows a series of similar levies imposed by other bandit leaders:
In Maru Local Government, communities were previously ordered to pay ₦60 million after allegedly supporting security forces.
In Tsafe West, terror leader Dogo Gide demanded ₦100 million from 23 villages earlier this year.
Another kingpin, Dantsito, threatened to burn homes if communities failed to pay ₦200 million within two weeks.
Security analysts say these extortions are not random but part of a wider system of illegal taxation now prevalent in rural parts of Zamfara.
Government Response
Local security officials have confirmed awareness of the threat but declined to give detailed operational responses. However, residents report little on-the-ground protection, raising concerns of potential attacks if the levy is not met. Civil society organizations have urged federal authorities to intensify security operations and clamp down on illegal mining, which fuels criminal financing in the region.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights how armed groups are diversifying their extortion practices by targeting the lucrative informal gold mining economy. Experts warn that unless illegal mining is regulated and communities are provided with adequate protection, similar demands could spread to other mining areas across northern Nigeria.
Conclusion
The demand for a gold levy by armed groups marks an alarming development in Zamfara’s ongoing security crisis, leaving residents of Dada, Gidan Shaho, Marmaro, and Rimni torn between paying criminals and facing possible attacks.
