Yemi Obafemi
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has announced a total ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, citing a surge in criminal activities and antisocial behavior.
The governor made the statement on Tuesday during the inauguration of a newly reconstituted committee tasked with revoking illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts, as well as addressing the growing problem of antisocial vices. The event took place at the council chambers of the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum accused some military and other security personnel—both active and dismissed—of contributing to the wave of criminality plaguing the state.
“I am happy to know that army officers are here, especially the military, police, and others, 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,” Zulum stated.
He emphasized that there should be “no sacred cow” in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, and crime in the state, urging security agencies to act decisively regardless of rank or affiliation.
The governor explained that the alcohol ban was necessitated by the increasing cases of cultism, prostitution, drug abuse, thuggery, and theft—often linked to alcohol consumption—which have resulted in loss of lives and property.
During the brief ceremony, Zulum restructured and strengthened the committee, assigning it the mandate to eliminate all forms of criminal activity and antisocial behavior within Maiduguri and its surrounding areas.
Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and order in Borno State and called for collective action in curbing the social vices undermining security efforts.
