Insurgents’ “Zakat” Ultimatum Sparks Mass Displacement in Kebbi’s Utono; Boko Haram Warns of Imminent Attack

Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria — Panic and fear have gripped Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State after a threatening handwritten letter, allegedly from the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, circulated on social media demanding ₦100 million and the compulsory collection of livestock “zakat” from residents, according to multiple credible reports. Legit.ng – Nigeria news. +2 The letter, dated February 17, 2026, and reportedly addressed to the traditional district head of Utono, instructed community leaders to assemble the demanded funds in cash at the palace before insurgents arrive. It also compelled cattle owners to bring their animals home for counting, presenting it as part of an enforced religious levy. Naija News in addition to the financial demands, the communique warned that anyone attempting escape would face consequences and explicitly stated that even the presence of Nigerian Army forces would not prevent militants from entering the locality. The statement identified the signees as fighters of Jannatul Ahlussunna Lidda’awa wal Jihad, a nomenclature historically associated with Boko Haram. Naija News +1 Mass exodus and heightened anxiety the threat has triggered an immediate security crisis. Residents, recalling past insurgent attacks in northern Nigeria where warnings preceded violence, began fleeing Utono on Thursday, abandoning homes, farms, and livestock in search of safety in neighbouring towns and villages. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.Local voices conveyed to reporters described a community paralyzed by fear. One Utono resident lamented that families left with “only the clothes they were wearing,” highlighting the depth of the shock and the disruption to local livelihoods. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.While no confirmed military or state government response has been publicly announced at the time of reporting, residents said their anxiety was exacerbated by a perceived lack of clear security assurances. Afrika Eyes context of rising insurgent activity this incident unfolds against a broader backdrop of persistent insurgent violence in northern Nigeria. Militants, including factions linked to Boko Haram, have continued to mount attacks on rural communities, with reports in recent days of coordinated assaults by the Lakurawa group — another extremist faction operating in Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto State — resulting in dozens of villagers’ deaths and displacement. Peoples Gazette Nigeria +1 Security and humanitarian implications the use of threatening letters to enforce compliance or instil fear is consistent with tactics previously documented in the Boko Haram insurgency, where communications often precede violent confrontations. Such psychological intimidation, coupled with credible threats of violence, significantly strains already fragile local security landscapes. OpenEdition Journals without immediate and transparent action from security agencies, communities like Utono risk further destabilisation, with thousands potentially displaced and agricultural production disrupted during critical planting seasons.Sources:Legit.ng – “Breaking: Tension as Insurgents Demand N100 million, Threaten Fresh Massacre In Kebbi Community” (Legit.ng) Legit.ng – Nigeria news. Naija News – “Even Soldiers Cannot Stop Us – Boko Haram Sends Letter To Kebbi Community, Demands ₦100 Million Levy” (Naijanews.com) Naija News Afrika Eyes – “Terror Threat: Boko Haram Demands N100million ‘Zakat’ From Kebbi Community, Warns Army Cannot Stop Planned Attack” (AfrikaEyes.com) Afrika Eyes Naija News – “Dozens Feared Dead As Lakurawa Storm Kebbi Communities In Fresh Attacks” (Naijanews.com) Naija News Gazette Nigeria – “Lakurawa terrorists storm Kebbi communities, kill 34 villagers in coordinated attacks” (Gazettengr.com) Peoples Gazette Nigeria.

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Afilawos Magana Sur

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Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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