Residents of at least 10 communities in Nigeria’s northwestern Kebbi State are facing growing insecurity following the emergence of a new armed group known as Sai Mallam, which has allegedly imposed a monthly levy of N5 million on affected villages.
According to reports, the group has threatened to launch violent attacks and seize farmlands if communities fail to meet its financial demands, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the region.
The reported extortion scheme has heightened fears among residents, many of whom rely on farming as their primary source of livelihood. Community members say the threats could further disrupt agricultural activities and deepen the humanitarian challenges already confronting rural areas affected by armed violence.
The development underscores the persistent security crisis in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target rural communities through kidnappings, extortion, and attacks despite ongoing military operations.
Authorities have yet to issue a detailed public response to the allegations as residents call for urgent intervention to prevent further violence and restore security across the affected communities.
