To Curb Insurgency, Borno Governor Halts Petrol Sales in Bama Local Government
In a decisive move aimed at weakening the operational capacity of insurgents, the Borno State Government has placed a temporary ban on the sale of petrol in Bama Local Government Area. The announcement was made by Governor Babagana Zulum during a security briefing on Friday.
The ban, according to the governor, is a response to intelligence reports suggesting that fuel sold in the area is being diverted to aid terrorist activities in the region.
“We cannot allow insurgents to exploit our resources to continue destabilizing our communities. This measure is necessary to disrupt their logistics and protect innocent lives,” Governor Zulum stated.
Security officials have often raised concerns about how insurgent groups obtain fuel to power motorcycles and vehicles used in attacks across remote parts of the state. Bama, a strategic town with a history of militant activity, remains a high-risk zone despite ongoing military operations.
Residents expressed mixed reactions to the directive. While some welcomed it as a step towards lasting peace, others worried about how the ban might affect daily life and transportation.
Malam Usman Ibrahim, a commercial driver in Bama, said, “We understand the need for security, but government should also consider how we will move around for our work and emergencies.”
Governor Zulum assured citizens that the government is working with security agencies to enforce the ban responsibly while exploring alternatives to ease its impact on civilians.
The fuel restriction is one of several security-driven policies the state has implemented in recent months, as it continues to battle the decade-long insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.
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