Zulum Bans Sale of Alcohol in Borno, Accuses Security Personnel of Fueling Crime

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has imposed a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, citing rising criminal activities and the influence of both former and serving security personnel in promoting antisocial behavior. Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of a newly reconstituted committee aimed at dismantling illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and hideouts used for criminal purposes, Zulum accused some members of the military and other security forces of contributing to the surge in crime, radicalism, prostitution, and drug abuse across the state.

Addressing security stakeholders at the council chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum stated, “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.” He emphasized that no individual or group should be shielded from accountability, declaring that “there should be no sacred cow in this matter” if the state is to overcome terrorism and lawlessness.

The reconstituted committee has been tasked with enforcing the new alcohol prohibition and dismantling structures associated with criminal behavior. The governor said the measure was necessary due to increasing cases of violence among rival groups, cultism, prostitution, drug use, theft, and other social ills, which have resulted in loss of lives and property.

To ensure the effectiveness of the initiative, Zulum included the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), and other security stakeholders in the committee. The co-chair of the committee acknowledged the worsening security situation in Maiduguri and detailed plans for swift intervention.

While the impact of the alcohol ban and planned demolitions on Borno State’s internal revenue remains unclear, it comes at a time of heightened debate over the federal tax reform bill currently before the National Assembly—a bill strongly supported by Zulum and other northern leaders.