Suspected members of Boko Haram have threatened to attack Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, demanding a ₦100 million payment described as zakat.
Residents said the threat was conveyed in a handwritten letter dated February 17, 2026, and addressed to the district head of the community. The letter, written in Hausa, warned that the group would invade the town at any time and instructed residents not to flee.
The insurgents identified themselves as fighters of Jannatul Ahlussunna Lidda’awa wal Jihad (JAS), a name historically associated with Boko Haram.
They claimed security forces would be unable to stop their planned entry into the community.
According to the letter, the ₦100 million must be assembled in cash and kept at the palace of the district head before their arrival.
The group also ordered cattle owners to bring their livestock from the bush for counting, describing it as part of the enforced zakat collection.
The terrorists further instructed that wealthy indigenes living outside the area should be contacted to contribute financially toward meeting the demand.
In the message, the group warned of severe consequences if residents failed to comply, stating that even if soldiers were invited, they would not be prevented from entering the town. They also threatened punishment for individuals accused of previously refusing to pay zakat.
The circulation of the letter has reportedly sparked fear and uncertainty among residents of Utono and neighbouring communities.
Locals described the threat as one of the most explicit received in recent times, heightening anxiety given past attacks and extortion campaigns by insurgent groups across parts of northern Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the development.
Boko Haram has waged a violent insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade, frequently imposing illegal taxes and levies on rural communities, often backed by attacks when residents fail to comply.
