Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has imposed a ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks, while criticizing military and security personnel for allegedly fostering criminal activities and antisocial behavior in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
According to Channels TV, the governor claimed that both former and active members of Nigeria’s security forces have significantly contributed to drawing civilians into criminality, radicalism, prostitution, and other vices—factors he says are exacerbating the threat of terrorism in the state.
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Governor Zulum made these remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of a newly reconstituted committee tasked with revoking illegal hotels, brothels, makeshift shelters, and criminal hideouts, as well as tackling the growing menace of antisocial behavior. The event took place 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, 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.
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, Zulum said
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Governor Zulum stated that the ban on the sale and consumption of liquor and alcoholic substances was prompted by a surge in violent clashes between rival groups, cult-related activities, prostitution, drug abuse, thuggery, and theft—incidents that have resulted in loss of lives and property.
As the state enforces the liquor ban and proceeds with the demolition of hotels and structures linked to criminal activity, questions remain about the potential impact on Borno’s internal revenue. This comes amid ongoing debates over the tax reform bill currently before the National Assembly—a bill strongly supported by Governor Zulum and other prominent figures from the state.
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