Metal scavengers have stolen wires purchased for a N3 billion electricity distribution line connecting Damaturu in Yobe State to Maiduguri, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has said. The theft led the state government to ban the scrap metal trade across Borno State, which Zulum described as necessary to protect public assets and strengthen security in the region.
Zulum said the ban was not intended to harm legitimate operators but to address serious security concerns. He noted that hundreds of scavengers had been killed during metal collection activities in areas that remain unsafe for civilians. The governor stated that security agencies had intelligence suggesting terrorists collaborated with scavengers to sell looted metals.
The governor acknowledged the impact on livelihoods but stressed that no responsible government could ignore the security intelligence linking scavenging to insurgent activity. He said the state had no personal interest in stopping the businesses and had granted a waiver allowing operators to evacuate stocks accumulated before the ban at selected locations.
Zulum invited scrap metal operators to submit proposals on how they could continue their businesses without contributing to insecurity or damaging public infrastructure.