Kebbe Residents Face ₦40m ‘Security Bill’ as Bandits Allegedly Turn Threats Into a New Tax System

Residents of Kebbe Town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are reportedly facing a fresh security nightmare after suspected bandits allegedly demanded ₦40 million from the community and threatened an attack if the money is not paid. According to local accounts, the demand was reportedly delivered through a farmer who was instructed to take a telephone to the District Head of Kebbe, creating what may be one of the most bizarre “customer-service” arrangements in Nigeria’s insecurity crisis. The reported demand and threat have been corroborated by recent reports,while the Sokoto State Police Command says it is aware of the situation and that its Anti-Kidnapping Unit is working on the information.

Kebbe Community Faces Fresh Attack Threat Over ₦40m Demand

According to the reports, the suspected bandits initially gave residents five days to raise the ₦40 million before reportedly extending the deadline following appeals from the community. The telephone allegedly used to communicate with the community was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer. The reported callers also allegedly warned that the phone must remain charged and reachable—a requirement that has effectively given the community a new reason to panic every time a phone battery drops below 10 per cent.

The situation is particularly disturbing because residents are reportedly being forced to consider whether paying the demand would provide temporary safety or simply encourage another round of extortion. In other words, the community may be looking at a terrible choice between raising an enormous sum and risking violence, while the criminals allegedly behave as though they have opened a very illegal subscription service with automatic renewal. Residents have reportedly called instead for stronger security deployment, warning that paying such levies could encourage repeated demands.

₦40m or Attack: Has Kebbe Become a Cash Machine for Criminals?

The latest threat comes against a backdrop of serious insecurity in Kebbe LGA. Reports indicate that security personnel and civilians have suffered deadly attacks in the area in recent weeks, including the reported killing of four soldiers during an attack on Kebbe town and the deaths of dozens of residents in Ungushi. Another reported clash in early August resulted in the death of a police officer and the burning of patrol vehicles. Additional security personnel were subsequently deployed to the area.

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed awareness of the latest reported threat, with spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai saying authorities and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit are working on the information. Meanwhile, reports published on September 3 said security alert levels had been raised in Kebbe following intelligence about a possible attack. With the reported deadline approaching, residents are understandably watching developments closely. The situation is no laughing matter, even though Nigerians may still find dark humour in the absurdity of criminals allegedly demanding ₦40 million and then expecting the community to keep their designated telephone fully charged.

For now, the reported threat remains a major concern for Kebbe residents and security authorities, with questions still hanging over what will happen when the alleged deadline expires. OGM News NG will continue to watch the situation and bring readers verified developments as they emerge. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and rely on official security information rather than unverified rumours circulating online.