Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has imposed a statewide ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, citing a disturbing rise in antisocial behavior and criminal activities linked to security personnel.
Speaking at the Government House in Maiduguri during the inauguration of a reconstituted task force to clamp down on illegal hotels, brothels, criminal hideouts, and other vice dens, Zulum directly accused both serving and ex members of the military and other security agencies of enabling criminality and social decay across the state.
“I am glad the military, police, and other security agencies are represented here,” the governor said. “Let’s be honest, many of these crimes are committed by dismissed officers, current personnel, and even some civilians. If we’re truly committed to ending insurgency and criminality in Maiduguri and Borno, there must be no sacred cows.”
The governor said the new crackdown was necessary to confront growing cases of cultism, drug abuse, prostitution, thuggery, and inter-group clashes, many of which have resulted in loss of lives and property. He noted that the activities of some errant security operatives had worsened the radicalization of young people and contributed to ongoing insecurity.
Zulum called for a multi-agency effort and appointed representatives from the military, police, civil defence, and civilian JTF to the new committee, which will oversee enforcement and coordination across hotspots in Maiduguri and its environs.
While the move is being praised in some quarters as bold and necessary, it has also sparked questions about the potential impact on local businesses and internal revenue, especially amid ongoing debates around tax reforms in the National Assembly.
Committee members acknowledged the gravity of their assignment, pledging swift and firm action to restore order and deter criminal behaviour in the state capital.
