Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, ordered the immediate suspension of the activities of ACTED, an international Non-Governmental Organization, in the state.
Governor Zulum gave the order following the discovery that the humanitarian iNGO was using a hotel in Maiduguri as a shooting range to “train some persons on shooting.”
The Governor’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, who announced the order, said the French iNGO was found using toy guns and simulators in training exercises at a hotel located off Circular Road in Maiduguri.
Gusau explained that residents near the hotel had alerted state government officials on the frequent sounds of gunshots from the hotel.
He added that the matter was later reported to the GRA Divisional Police headquarters, which oversees the hotel’s location.
Police operatives, who stormed the hotel, reportedly found some toy pistols at the facility, with two Nigerian trainers.
The statement said pending the outcome of police investigation, Governor Zulum directed that hotel be sealed off and ACTED suspended from any humanitarian activity in Borno State.
Gusau noted that Governor Zulum acknowledges and deeply appreciates the roles of credible iNGOs, which have been providing critical humanitarian interventions in different parts of Borno.
He assured them of government’s continued cooperation and support while also upholding obedience to prevailing laws, policies and rules guiding all activities and actions across.