The Borno State Government has officially banned the sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages across the state, as part of a broader effort to tackle rising criminal activities and social vices.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced the ban on Tuesday during the inauguration of a newly reconstituted committee tasked with addressing illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.
Speaking at the event held at the Government House council chambers in Maiduguri, Zulum said the decision was driven by increasing incidents of cultism, prostitution, drug abuse, thuggery, and theft, which have claimed lives and destroyed property.
He also accused both active and retired security personnel of aiding criminal activities in the state.
“I’m glad military and police representatives are here today, because many of these crimes are being committed by dismissed and serving security personnel—soldiers, police officers, and civilians alike,” Zulum said.
“If we truly want to end terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities in Maiduguri and the state, there must be no sacred cows.”
The new committee, made up of members from the military, police, civil defence, and Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), has been directed to clamp down on all forms of criminality and enforce the newly announced alcohol ban.
Zulum emphasized that the state would no longer tolerate environments that promote lawlessness and antisocial behavior.
The Star
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