Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has officially banned the sale of alcohol. He made this decision while pointing fingers at some military and security officers, saying they are part of the reason why crime and bad behavior are increasing in Maiduguri and nearby areas.

According to Channels TV, Governor Zulum accused both former and current members of the Nigerian military and security agencies of influencing local residents in harmful ways. He said they play a major part in the rise of crimes like terrorism, prostitution, and drug use in the state.

The governor made these remarks during the launch of a new committee. This group will focus on shutting down illegal hotels, brothels, and criminal hideouts. The goal is to reduce antisocial activities and make the state safer for everyone.

“I am happy to know that army officers are here, especially the military, police, and others are here 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.

So, there should be no sacred cow in this matter if we want the Maiduguri metropolis and indeed the state to get rid of insurgency, terrorism and other sorts of criminalities,” Zulum said

Governor Zulum said the alcohol ban came after seeing many problems such as gang fights, cult activities, sex work, drug use, and stealing. He believes these issues have caused the loss of many lives and properties in the state.

With the ban in place and efforts to demolish buildings linked to crime, there are concerns that this might affect Borno’s income. This comes at a time when a tax reform bill, supported by the governor and other state leaders, is already under discussion at the national level.