Governor Babagana Zulum has enforced a state-wide ban on alcoholic drinks, citing a surge in criminal behavior and social disorder linked to their use.
The announcement came during the inauguration of a revamped committee tasked with eliminating illegal hotels, brothels, and makeshift dwellings that serve as havens for criminal elements in Borno.
The committee, which has been given renewed authority, aims to cleanse Maiduguri and surrounding areas of various vices that have plagued the state.
Zulum explained that the decision to outlaw alcohol stems from increasing violence, cult activities, drug addiction, and prostitution — all of which he believes are contributing to a decline in public safety.
To ensure effectiveness, security bodies including the army, police, civil defence, and the Civilian Joint Task Force will be working alongside the committee.
The governor did not hold back in blaming elements within the country’s own security structures for exacerbating the problem.
“I am happy to know that army officers are here, especially the military, police, and others are here 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 asserted.