The governor said that the directive, announced on Saturday, is part of the state government's intensified efforts to address persistent security challenges in the state.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has banned the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol in filling stations across the Bama Local Government Area of the state. 

The governor said that the directive, announced on Saturday, is part of the state government's intensified efforts to address persistent security challenges in the state.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Dauda Iliya.

Iliya emphasised that the measure is a key component of the state’s broader counter-insurgency strategy.

“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,” Governor Zulum stated.

The decision followed extensive consultations with security agencies, according to the statement.

“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,” Zulum warned.

The ban comes amid ongoing security operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants, who have been known to exploit access to fuel supplies to power their vehicles and motorbikes used in attacks. 

Bama, once a stronghold of insurgents, has seen significant military gains in recent years, but security remains fragile, with sporadic attacks continuing in remote areas.

Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s resolve to restore lasting peace and called for citizens’ cooperation. 

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our people and restoring normalcy to all parts of Borno State,” he said.

The ban is expected to tighten control over the distribution of fuel, a critical resource often diverted to aid insurgent activities. 

Security experts have long cited fuel smuggling as a major enabler of terrorist logistics in the region.

This latest move is part of a series of security measures implemented by the Zulum administration, which has gained both national and international recognition for its proactive stance against insurgency and efforts to rebuild communities ravaged by conflict.