Victoria Ogunyemi
In a decisive move aimed at curbing rising insecurity and social unrest, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has officially banned the sale of alcoholic beverages across the state.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Tuesday, at the inauguration of a reconstituted committee on “revocation of illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts and curbing the menace of antisocial vices”, at the council chambers of the government house in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The governor also issued strong accusations against some members of the military and other security agencies, alleging their involvement in fostering criminal activities and antisocial behaviour within the state capital and its environs.
Governor Zulum expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing culture of lawlessness enabled, in part, by some unscrupulous individuals within the ranks of the security forces.
According to him, the unchecked proliferation of alcohol outlets has contributed to a spike in petty crimes, drug abuse, and public disorder especially in Maiduguri, the epicenter of the state’s post-insurgency recovery efforts.
“It is unfortunate that those who are supposed to protect lives and property are now being accused of fueling the very instability we are trying to eliminate,” Zulum said. “We cannot continue to fold our arms while our youths are being destroyed by alcohol, drugs, and the bad influence of some uniformed personnel who should know better.”
The governor further noted that several complaints had been lodged by local communities implicating soldiers and other security operatives in activities that undermine peace efforts, including shielding unlicensed alcohol vendors and encouraging the spread of illicit substances.
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He stated that the ban would take immediate effect and that law enforcement agencies, including the Civilian Joint Task Force and traditional institutions, have been directed to ensure strict compliance.
While Borno is a predominantly Muslim state with strong cultural and religious sensitivities around alcohol consumption, the decision has stirred mixed reactions among residents. Some have hailed the move as a bold step toward restoring decency and discipline, while others, particularly non-Muslim minorities and business owners, have raised concerns over the socio-economic impact and the need for inclusive governance.
Human rights advocates and civil society groups have also called for transparency and due process in enforcing the new policy, urging the government to provide alternative livelihoods for those whose businesses may be affected.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies are yet to issue an official response to the governor’s allegations. However, sources within the military have described the claims as “serious and damaging,” calling for an internal investigation to identify and punish any personnel found in crime.
Borno State, which has long been at the heart of Nigeria’s battle against Boko Haram insurgency, has seen significant improvements in security under Zulum’s administration. However, challenges persist, especially in urban areas where displaced populations, unemployment, and a fragile security framework contribute to social tension.