Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced a state-wide ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, citing its role in fueling crime and insecurity in the state.
The governor made this statement on Tuesday yesterday during the inauguration of a newly restructured committee tasked with shutting down illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and hideouts used by criminals. The event was held at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri.
“I am happy to know that army officers are here, especially the military, police, and others are here because most of these activities were committed by whom? Some of them are dismissed army officers, dismissed security officers, current army officers, men and officers, including civilians,” the Governor said.
Zulum accused both current and former security personnel of encouraging civilians to engage in crime, radical behavior, prostitution, and other vices—worsening the security challenges in the state.
He explained that the alcohol ban is part of a broader effort to tackle cultism, gang violence, drug abuse, prostitution, theft, and street fights—many of which have led to deaths and destruction of property.
Governor Zulum gave the newly formed committee a clear mandate to flush out criminal elements and restore order in Maiduguri and its surroundings.
“So, there should be no sacred cow in this matter if we want the Maiduguri metropolis and indeed the state to get rid of insurgency, terrorism and other sorts of criminalities,” he added, emphasizing the need for full enforcement with representatives from security agencies, including the military, police, NSCDC, and CJTF, on board.
