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In a bold move to curb rising crime and antisocial behavior, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has announced a statewide ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages. The decision, made public on May 7, 2025, comes alongside serious allegations against military and security personnel, whom Zulum accuses of promoting criminality in Maiduguri and its surrounding areas. This development marks a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to address insecurity, cultism, and social vices amid ongoing challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency.
A Sweeping Ban to Tackle Crime
Governor Zulum made the announcement during the inauguration of a high-powered committee tasked with cracking down on illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts across Borno. The committee, comprising representatives from the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Civilian Joint Task Force, has been given a broad mandate to tackle issues ranging from prostitution and drug abuse to theft and cultism. The alcohol ban is a centerpiece of this initiative, with Zulum linking the proliferation of such vices to the easy availability of alcohol.
This isn’t the first time Borno has taken such measures. In January 2017, under then-Governor Kashim Shettima, the state banned alcohol sales and prostitution to curb social vices, though exemptions were made for military and paramilitary formations. The 2025 ban appears to double down on these efforts, reflecting the state’s growing concern over escalating criminal activities in the region.
Controversial Allegations Against Security Forces
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Zulum’s announcement was his direct criticism of security personnel. The governor accused both active and dismissed members of the military, police, and other security agencies of contributing to the very crimes they are meant to prevent. While Zulum did not provide specific evidence, his remarks underscore long-standing tensions between state authorities and security forces in Borno, where allegations of human rights abuses and misconduct have surfaced in the past.
The military has often defended its role in the fight against Boko Haram, highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers in a grueling conflict. However, Zulum’s “no sacred cows” stance suggests a willingness to confront any actors—regardless of status—who undermine the state’s security efforts. This bold rhetoric will likely spark debate about accountability and the complex dynamics of maintaining order in a conflict zone.
A Region Under Siege
Borno State remains at the epicenter of Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, with 2025 witnessing a troubling resurgence of insurgent activity. Governor Zulum has warned of daily attacks and territorial losses, painting a grim picture of the security landscape. The ban on alcohol and the crackdown on criminal hideouts are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region, where displacement, poverty, and unemployment create fertile ground for both insurgency and petty crime.
While the alcohol ban may curb certain vices, its success is far from guaranteed. Borno’s challenges are deeply rooted, and measures like this must be paired with long-term solutions to address the socioeconomic drivers of crime and unrest. For now, residents of Maiduguri and beyond will be watching closely to see how the committee’s efforts—and the ban—play out.
What’s Next?
The establishment of the committee and the alcohol ban signal a proactive, if controversial, approach to tackling Borno’s myriad challenges. Public reaction, as seen in discussions on platforms like X, shows keen interest in the governor’s moves, though skepticism about enforcement and impact lingers. As the committee begins its work, questions remain: Will the ban effectively reduce crime? Can Zulum’s accusations against security personnel lead to meaningful accountability? And how will these measures affect the broader fight against insurgency?
For now, Borno State is at a crossroads, balancing immediate action against deep-seated issues. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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