ISWAP Builds $191M Economy, Out-earning Borno State Government’s Tax Revenue

Based on a report by The New Humanitarian, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has established a sophisticated, state-like economy in the Lake Chad region. The group reportedly collects an estimated $191 million annually through a formal system of taxes, a figure that vastly exceeds the Borno State government’s official tax intake of about $18.4 million in 2024.

This report, based on interviews with locals and former ISWAP officials, details three main revenue streams:

• Zakat: A religious-based tax on livestock, which generates around $3.7 million yearly.
• Haraji: A fee for outsiders, such as fishers and seasonal workers, to operate within ISWAP territory.
• Darayib: A broader category of fees on trade, agriculture, and other economic activities, collected at checkpoints and markets.

These taxes are systematically enforced with receipts and penalties for non-payment. This revenue allows ISWAP to fund its military operations and provide basic services in the areas it controls. The Nigerian military continues to combat these extremist groups in the North East region.

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