Boko Haram terrorrists impose taxes on residents of Shiroro, other Niger communities -Report

Apart from occupying communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Boko Haram insurgents have resorted to raising revenue by levying value added tax (VAT) and income taxes on citizens, according to a police source.

Niger state has been fighting the Boko Haram insurgency for years, with some attacks in Shiroro, which houses one of Nigeria’s electricity power dams.

Boko Haram insurgents have displaced many people in the Munya and Shiroro local government areas, according to Governor Sani Bello.

According to him, bandits and Boko Haram elements in the region have displaced over 3,000 people.

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“There are some other communities that we believe are safe,” the governor said, “but the vast majority of them will have to stay here because their villages and towns have been taken over by Boko Haram elements.”

He expressed fears that they could soon march on Abuja, which shares a boundary with Niger State.

“I just heard they have already placed their flag in Kauri, which means they have taken over the territory,” he said.

The governor’s confirmation was backed up by a police source who fled Shiroro, who told The Gazette that Boko Haram insurgents controlled the community, Awasha, Chiri, and many others, as well as trade.

While many people believe it is funded by kidnapping for ransom and robbing local communities, a police source claims it is funded by taxes.

According to him, the insurgents are now levying taxes on local farmers and fishermen who fish in the Shiroro lake, as well as requiring residents to pay VAT on local transactions.

Residents also go farming for the rebels in addition to paying taxes.

Mohammed Yerima, a spokesperson for the army, told The Gazette that he was unaware of the progress.

Wasiu Abiodun, the state police spokesman, told The Gazette over the phone that he would investigate the case.

He said, “Let me double-check and get back to you.” (Report by The Gazette)