Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect have issued a threat to residents of Utono community in the Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, announcing plans to launch an attack and demanding a cash payment of ₦100million as “zakat.”
According to residents, the threat was conveyed in a handwritten letter addressed to the district head of Utono, written in Hausa language and dated February 17, 2026.
The letter obtained by SaharaReporters warned that the armed group would storm the community at any time, instructing residents not to flee and insisting that the demanded funds be assembled in advance at the district head’s palace.
In the letter, the terrorists identified themselves as fighters of Jannatul Ahlussunna Lidda’awa wal Jihad (JAS), the formal name historically associated with Boko Haram, and claimed that security forces would be powerless to stop them.
The statement read in part: “Peace be upon you, the entire community living in the surrounding areas. We are informing you that the fighters of Jannatul Ahlussunna Lidda’awa wal Jihad are sending you this message of warning.
“From now on, starting immediately, even if it is in the daytime, do not attempt to run away or flee. By the will of Allah, we will come whether it rains or not, whether it is morning or night. We will enter the town and go straight to the palace of the district head.
The district head should announce to the people that they must gather and prepare our zakat payment in cash amounting to one hundred million naira before we arrive. The money should be gathered in advance.”
The letter further demanded that cattle owners in the community present their livestock for assessment, describing this as part of the enforced “zakat” collection.
“Furthermore, anyone who owns cattle must prepare them for zakat. Every cattle owner, whether male or female, must bring all cattle from the bush back home so they can be counted,” the letter stated.
The terrorists also warned that wealthy indigenes of the area living outside the community must be contacted to contribute financially toward meeting the ₦100million demand.
“We have been informed that there are some people from your area who are outside in other towns and are wealthy. You should inform them and tell them to send their financial contributions so that the total required amount can be completed,” the letter added.
In a direct threat of violence, the group cautioned that any failure to comply would attract severe consequences, claiming that even the intervention of the Nigerian Army would not prevent their entry into the town.
“If anything happens and you fail to comply, you should blame yourselves because you have refused to support and assist us. Even if you call soldiers, they cannot stop us from entering,” the letter warned.
They made an additional threat against individuals accused of failing to pay zakat in the past.
“Also, there are wealthy people who do not give zakat, both men and women. They should prepare themselves, as we will enforce punishment on them. “We are coming. Peace be upon you.”
Residents of Utono and surrounding communities have been thrown into fear and uncertainty following the circulation of the letter, with some community members describing the message as one of the most explicit threats received in recent times.
Locals said the warning has created anxiety, particularly given past attacks and extortion campaigns by insurgent groups in parts of northern Nigeria.
As of press time, local authorities and security agencies had not issued an official public statement on the threat.
Boko Haram, which has waged a violent insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade, is notorious for imposing illegal “taxes” and zakat demands on rural communities, often backing such demands with brutal attacks when residents fail to comply.
