Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has accused soldiers stationed in the state of engaging in corrupt practices by demanding bribes of N500 to N1000 from travellers. The governor made these allegations when he experienced a traffic gridlock along the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway.
Governor Zulum expressed his dismay at the soldiers’ actions, condemning their practice of extorting money from commuters who do not possess national identity cards. He confronted the soldiers at a checkpoint where they were inspecting the identity cards of individuals entering and leaving the state.
The governor was adamant in his disapproval, stating, “This is unacceptable. How can you subject people to this kind of torture all in the name of a national ID card? And you are all here collecting N500 and N1000 from poor travelers who don’t have national ID cards.”
When a soldier attempted to provide an explanation, Governor Zulum firmly responded, “No, this is not right. The federal government has not created an enabling environment for our people to get their national ID cards and you are here collecting N500 and N1000 as a fine for not having what the federal government has not provided for all.”
Following this confrontation, the governor ordered the security personnel to dismantle their checkpoints and allow unobstructed passage for all travelers.
An Instagram post featuring a video of the governor’s confrontation with the soldiers is also included in the article.