Gov. Zulum Bans Alcohol in Borno, Accuses Security Personnel of Fueling Crime and Terrorism
In a bold and controversial move, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the state. This directive is part of a sweeping crackdown on what the governor describes as the growing influence of criminality and antisocial behavior in Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
The announcement, which has already sparked debates across the state and beyond, was made during the inauguration of a reconstituted committee on the revocation of illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts, held on Tuesday at the council chambers of the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri.
According to Channels TV, Governor Zulum did not hold back as he delivered a scathing indictment of certain elements within the Nigerian security forces. He accused both current and former members of the military and other security agencies of actively contributing to the rise in criminality and social decay.
“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,” Zulum declared.
The governor's statement highlights a disturbing trend where security personnel—both serving and retired—are allegedly complicit in illegal operations, including harboring criminals, enabling prostitution rings, and fostering environments that breed radicalism and terrorism.
Zulum stressed that accountability must be blind to rank or status if meaningful change is to be achieved in the fight against insurgency in Borno State.
“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,” he added.
The governor’s directive to ban alcoholic beverages is not an isolated measure but rather part of a broader strategy to dismantle the social structures that fuel criminality. He pointed to increasing reports of violent clashes between rival groups, cult activities, widespread drug abuse, prostitution, thuggery, and theft as the urgent motivators behind this decision.
Zulum made it clear that the state government is prepared to take decisive action, including the demolition of illegal hotels and establishments suspected of serving as hubs for criminal activity.
However, this sweeping policy raises important questions about its broader economic implications. With Borno State already grappling with insecurity and a fragile economy, observers are watching closely to see how the liquor embargo and shutdown of revenue-generating structures will affect internal revenue. This is especially relevant considering the ongoing debates surrounding the Tax Reform Bill currently before the National Assembly—a bill which Zulum himself has strongly supported, along with other northern leaders.
Whether these drastic steps will lead to a safer Borno or trigger unintended social and economic consequences remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Governor Zulum has once again demonstrated his willingness to confront entrenched interests in his relentless pursuit of peace and security in the North-East.
