KEY POINTS

• Governor Babagana Zulum has banned petrol sales in Bama LGA, including Bama town and Banki, to curb insurgent activities.

• The ban follows recent terrorist attacks in Borno State, including IED explosions resulting in casualties.

• The government is enhancing security measures, including deploying patrol vehicles and resettling displaced communities.

In a decisive move to curb insurgent activities, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has imposed an immediate ban on the sale of petrol in filling stations across Bama Local Government Area (LGA), including Bama town and Banki.

Governor Zulum announced the directive on Saturday, following consultations with security agencies. The measure is part of the government’s strategic response to counter insurgency operations in the region.

“I have directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in Bama town, Banki, and other parts of Bama Local Government Area with immediate effect,” Zulum stated.

“Let me make it clear—there will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of this ban. Security agencies have been given strict orders to clamp down on any filling station or individual contravening this directive. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly.”

Recent insurgent attacks prompt swift Government action

According to The Cable, the ban comes in the wake of a resurgence of terrorist attacks in Borno State. On May 8, five children were injured following the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Mafa LGA. In April, over 26 people lost their lives, with three others sustaining injuries, after an IED detonation along the Rann–Kala Balge–Gamboru Ngala highway.

Governor Zulum has consistently implemented measures aimed at cutting off supplies to insurgents and curbing their mobility in conflict-affected areas. The ban on petrol sales is seen as a strategic move to limit fuel supply to insurgents, thereby hindering their operations.

“Security agencies have been given strict orders to clamp down on any filling station or individual contravening this directive. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” Zulum emphasized.

In addition to the petrol sale ban, Governor Zulum has approved the deployment of 35 patrol vehicles and motorcycles for military and youth volunteers in Izge, following a recent Boko Haram attack. This initiative aims to enhance mobility and response times for local security forces.

The governor also announced ongoing efforts to resettle displaced communities, including Ashigasha, Warabe, and Guduf. The state government is focused on restoring livelihoods and providing continued support to affected residents.