Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has warned that his administration will take decisive action against individuals or groups whose activities threaten peace and security in the state.
The warning comes amid renewed demonstrations in Maiduguri by youths wearing white T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
Speaking in an interview Monitored by The News Chronicle on Saturday night, Zulum said the government would not tolerate activities involving group identities, weapons, political mobilisation or any conduct capable of triggering unrest in the state capital.
The governor expressed concern over what he described as the growing activities of groups allegedly causing insecurity in some parts of Maiduguri, particularly at night.
He warned that failure to address the situation could have serious consequences for the city.
“If we stand by and watch these things happen without taking actions, I swear, this town will not remain habitable if this continues,” Zulum said.
He also criticised the use of political considerations to shield individuals accused of involvement in violence or public disorder, insisting that anyone found responsible would face the law.
Zulum said his administration was prepared to take measures against those responsible for recent disturbances, adding that some actions might be taken without prior public announcement.
“Anyone we catch will be arrested and detained,” he said.
The governor further maintained that Borno would not allow anyone to undermine its fragile peace, stressing that political disagreements should be pursued through democratic channels rather than violence or unrest.
“We will not tolerate anyone who wants to undermine peace in Borno. This is not about me personally. We will not allow anyone to instigate another conflict, attack others, or cause unrest,” he said.
His comments followed the arrest and arraignment of five men in Maiduguri over their alleged involvement in activities connected to T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
The suspects — Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed — were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under relevant sections of the Borno State Penal Code.
They pleaded not guilty, with a ruling on their bail application expected on October 6. The substantive case has been adjourned until October 26.
The arrests have generated controversy, with opposition groups and rights activists questioning whether the suspects were targeted because of the political message on their clothing.
The Borno State Police Command has denied arresting the men simply for wearing anti-Tinubu shirts. According to the police, the suspects were arrested during a routine patrol around West End Roundabout, where officers allegedly recovered suspected Indian hemp, tablets suspected to be D5, a shisha pot, scissors and two “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.
The police said the suspects were arrested over allegations including inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit drugs.
The opposition African Democratic Congress, however, disputed the police account, claiming that the youths had secured clearance from security agencies to hold a peaceful gathering at its secretariat.
Meanwhile, fresh footage circulating online reportedly shows dozens of youths in Maiduguri marching while wearing “Tinubu Must Go” shirts. The demonstration is believed to be a show of solidarity with the arrested men and an expression of opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The circumstances surrounding the latest gathering, including whether it received formal approval from security agencies, remain unclear.
The controversy has continued to attract criticism from rights groups and political figures, while lawyer and rights activist Hamza N. Dantani has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, seeking a review of the arrests and prosecution and alleging possible selective enforcement of the law by the Borno State Police Command.
Zulum, however, maintained that his administration’s priority remains protecting lives and preserving peace in a state that is still recovering from years of Boko Haram insurgency.
