In a sweeping move aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behavior, Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum has officially banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages across the state, citing its link to rising insecurity, cultism, prostitution, and drug abuse.
The announcement came during the inauguration of a reconstituted task force on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri. The newly empowered committee, tasked with revoking illegal hotels, dismantling brothels, removing criminal shanties, and rooting out cult groups and drug networks, will now operate with the backing of the military, police, civil defence, and the civilian JTF, ensuring a coordinated security response.
Zulum warned that no one would be spared—including dismissed and serving security personnel—if found complicit in enabling vices threatening the peace and safety of Borno residents. He emphasized that a holistic approach without favoritism is essential to eradicating criminal enclaves and terrorism breeding grounds in the Maiduguri metropolis and beyond.
“There should be no sacred cows in this matter,” said Governor Zulum. “If we truly want to rid Maiduguri and Borno of insurgency and terrorism, every enabler must be brought to justice.”