The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has imposed a ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages across Maiduguri and its environs, citing escalating criminality and antisocial behaviour allegedly abetted by members of the Nigerian security forces.
Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of a reconstituted committee on the Revocation of Illegal Hotels, Brothels, Shanties and Criminal Hideouts and Curbing the Menace of Antisocial Vices, held at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum expressed grave concern over the influence of both serving and dismissed security personnel on the civilian population.
According to the governor, these individuals have played a significant role in luring civilians into criminal activities, radicalism, prostitution, and other vices, thereby aggravating the terrorism threat within the state.
“I am pleased that army officers, police, and other security personnel are present here today, because many of these activities have been perpetrated by whom? Some of them are dismissed army officers, dismissed security personnel, as well as serving officers and civilians,” Governor Zulum stated.
“There should be no sacred cows in this matter if we truly want to rid Maiduguri metropolis — and indeed the entire state — of insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminality.”
The governor further empowered the newly reconstituted committee to purge the state of illegal establishments and dismantle criminal hideouts. He emphasised that the ban on alcohol was driven by the alarming rise in gang clashes, cult activities, prostitution, drug abuse, thuggery and theft, all of which have led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.
To ensure a coordinated and effective implementation, the governor enlisted the cooperation of the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as part of the task force.
The co-chair of the committee, while acknowledging the enormity of the assignment, lamented the deteriorating security situation in Maiduguri and laid out the committee’s immediate plan of action.
