Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has directed state authorities to take decisive action against illegal activities contributing to the growing instability in the state.
The governor gave the directives at the opening of the expanded State Security Council meeting on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
Zulum said that the activities not only rob the state of valuable assets but also created a fertile ground for insurgents to fund their operations.
“We cannot allow these criminals to undermine our security further.
“We will ensure that the relevant authorities work together to put an end to these activities,” he said.
The governor, however, expressed concern over the proliferation of unregulated event centres across the state, which have become breeding grounds for criminal activities.
“Many of these centres do not comply with urban planning regulations, and some are located in high-risk areas that pose security threats.
“These illegal structures are contributing to crime and social vices in the state, and we must act to ensure that all venues comply with safety and planning standards.
“To address this, the state government will take legal action against non-compliant event centres and reconstitute the High Power Committee responsible for monitoring illegal brothels and hotels.
“The committee will be tasked with enforcing government policies and ensuring that all venues adhere to urban planning guidelines,” Zulum said.
He also announced that a crackdown on illegal brothels would continue, with the aim of dismantling criminal hotspots and reducing the risk of social unrest.
The governor called for stronger collaboration with the Nigerian military, police and other security agencies to address the illegal activities and ensure that criminals, including foreign nationals were apprehended.
“Some of these criminals are not even from Nigeria, and we are working with immigration authorities to ensure that those who do not belong here are deported,” Zulum said.
