Maiduguri, Borno State – Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has issued an ultimatum for the demolition of illegal brothels and criminal dens known for prostitution, gang-related activities, and other illicit operations within the Maiduguri metropolis. The Governor’s directive mandates that these structures be razed within 72 hours.
Although it remains unclear which agencies, such as the Borno Urban Development Agency or Borno Geographical Information Service, will carry out the demolition, Governor Zulum gave the order during a visit to one of the locations in ‘Bayan Quarters,’ a settlement situated near railway staff quarters in the metropolis.
This area has been notorious for harboring gangsters, criminal activities, and the exploitation of minors for commercial sex.
Governor Zulum expressed grave concern over the surge in criminal activities associated with these illegal brothels and criminal dens, including prostitution, drug trafficking, and other illicit operations. He stressed that these activities not only jeopardize the state’s security but also perpetuate social vices that degrade the well-being of communities and undermine the dignity of individuals involved.
Zulum’s directive includes the demolition of the settlement, which harbors criminals and minor girls engaged in commercial sex activities, within 72 hours. The illegal brothels have been given a 12-hour notice to vacate.
“The government has been duly informed of the activities that are going on here; this settlement is entirely illegal. People are killed here, and this place serves as a breeding ground for insurgents. Therefore, I have directed that everybody should vacate the place,” Governor Zulum stated.
He also revealed the revocation of the land title where such criminal activities were taking place. This land, which was initially approved for use by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, had been illegally rented out, leading to various criminal operations.
“For this reason, the government has revoked the earlier approval, and henceforth, the land belongs to Borno State Government,” Zulum announced. The move underscores the government’s commitment to addressing issues related to criminal activities and social disorder within the state.