Mohamed Garba
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has enacted a statewide ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, marking a bold escalation in efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb terrorism-linked activities.The announcement, made Tuesday during the inauguration of a reconstituted anti-vice committee, emphasized the governor’s resolve to address rising violence and institutional complicity in one of Nigeria’s most conflict-torn regions.
Speaking at the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum linked the prohibition to a surge in criminality, including cult clashes, prostitution, drug abuse, and theft, which he said have resulted in “loss of lives and valuables.” The ban coincides with the revival of a committee tasked with shuttering illegal hotels, brothels, and criminal hideouts across the Maiduguri metropolis and surrounding areas.
The consumption of alcohol has become a catalyst for chaos, Zulum declared, stressing that the measure aims to sever ties between illicit activities and broader security threats. The committee, now bolstered by military, police, civil defense, and civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) personnel, will pursue a “holistic” strategy to eliminate antisocial vices.
In a striking revelation, the governor accused current and former security personnel of enabling criminality and radicalism, exacerbating Borno’s vulnerability to terrorism. “Some of these activities are committed by dismissed officers, current officers, and civilians.
There will be no sacred cows,” Zulum asserted, demanding accountability across all ranks. Borno State, the epicenter of Nigeria’s 15-year Boko Haram insurgency, has long grappled with overlapping security crises. Zulum’s administration has increasingly focused on addressing societal fractures that fuel instability, including drug abuse and youth radicalization. The inclusion of civilian JTF members—a key local vigilante force in the counterinsurgency—highlights the campaign’s community-driven approach.
The governor’s directive has drawn mixed reactions, with some residents applauding its intent while others question its enforceability. Business owners in Maiduguri’s informal sectors now face an uncertain future as authorities prepare to sweep the city for violators.
As the ban takes effect, all eyes are on Zulum’s multi-agency committee to deliver results in a region weary of both terrorism and governance challenges. The move signals a pivotal shift toward confronting not only armed groups but also the systemic corruption and vice that sustain them.