By Abdukareem Haruna

In a clampdown on illegal activities, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has commanded operators of unlawful alcohol and prostitution establishments in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital, to vacate within 72 hours in preparation for a complete demolition exercise.

Zulum also instructed the operators of two brothels, notorious for facilitating underage prostitution and sexual abuse, to leave within 12 hours, ahead of the impending demolition.

The Artillery Alcohol joint, an infamous hub located on undeveloped land behind the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) quarters, is renowned for excessive alcohol consumption, underage prostitution, and drug abuse. While the area appears deserted during daylight, it transforms into a hotspot for pleasure-seekers indulging in intoxication, drugs, and sex by nightfall.

Comrade Lucy Dlama of Women Led CSOs addressing Gov Zulum on the bad situation at Artillery

The locale’s unchecked activities draw an alarming range of age groups into its illicit practices. “There is no age barrier when it comes to who gets drunk, drugged, or exchanges sex for money there at Artillery. It is disturbing to see underage girls frequenting the area, and we have even had to rescue a 14-year-old girl from there,” said an official.

Residents of the surrounding Guadamgari area expressed concerns about their neighborhood’s safety, citing the influx of questionable individuals at night. Ba’Lawan, the local village head, described the pervasive anxiety:

“We hardly sleep with our eyes closed because of the unsavory activities at Artillery every night,” he said.

Members of women-led civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Borno have called for government intervention.

CEO of Women in the New Nigeria and Youth Employment Initiatives (WINN), Comrade Lucy Dlama, informed Governor Zulum during a site visit that the joint “harbors criminals and exploits minor girls for commercial sex activities.”

In response, the Governor ordered the demolition of the illegal alcohol shanties constructed from rusty corrugated iron sheets within 72 hours, and the two brothels were given 12 hours to vacate before demolition.

Describing the settlement as a breeding ground for insurgents, Zulum stated, “People are killed here, this place serves as a breeding space for insurgents. Therefore, I have directed that everybody should vacate the place.”