Borno Government Bans Fuel Sales in Bama and Banki to Undermine Insurgents

The Borno State Government has ordered an immediate halt to petrol sales in Bama town, Banki, and surrounding areas as part of an intensified strategy to limit the operations of insurgent groups in the region.

The decision was announced by Governor Babagana Zulum following security consultations aimed at curtailing the supply chains supporting terrorist activities.

Governor Zulum stressed that the directive would be strictly enforced and that anyone found violating the order would face serious consequences. He issued a clear warning that security agencies have been authorized to take firm action against any individual or business that disobeys the new policy.

According to the governor, no exemptions would be granted during enforcement, and the measure is intended to weaken the logistical capacity of insurgent groups by cutting off their access to fuel, which is often diverted for their use.

Borno State has endured years of violence caused by extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have carried out attacks, displaced communities, and destroyed infrastructure. In January 2025, the Nigerian military reported neutralizing dozens of insurgents during a confrontation in Damboa, part of a larger campaign to eliminate their strongholds.

In addition to military action, the state government has introduced several restrictive measures to hinder the movement and resupply of militants. These include bans on fuel distribution and restrictions on access to certain areas, particularly near the borders where insurgents are known to operate.

Governor Zulum previously revealed that the conflict has led to the displacement of about 3.2 million people over the past seven years. He added that more than 100,000 children have been orphaned, and thousands of public facilities—including health centres, classrooms, and homes—have been destroyed. The figures, he noted, are official estimates and may not capture the full extent of the devastation.

These challenges underline the urgency behind Borno State’s ongoing counterinsurgency efforts, which combine military, humanitarian, and administrative strategies to restore peace and security