Scavengers stole N3bn power line cables in Borno - Governor Zulum

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has revealed that the state has lost metals, electrical materials, and infrastructure worth billions of naira to scavengers, locally known as Ajakuta.

He said this, among other security concerns, led to a ban on the scrap metal trade in Borno State.

The Governor disclosed this on Saturday, O tober 17, 2026 while addressing operators, urging them to submit proposals on how they can continue their businesses without contributing to insecurity or destroying public infrastructure.

He explained that the ban was imposed in the state’s overall interest, not to deprive operators of their livelihood.

He stressed that the government had no personal interest in stopping their businesses, adding that the measure aimed to protect public assets and strengthen security.

"It is deeply concerning to me if one person loses his livelihood for whatever reason in Borno; believe me, there is nothing I stand to gain from banning scrap metal trade rather than addressing the serious security concerns associated with your activities," Zulum said. 

"We spent more than N3 billion to connect an electricity distribution line from Damaturu to Maiduguri, but unfortunately, we lost all the wires to the metal scavenging activities. Before the ban, hundreds of your members were killed in the process of scavenging for metals in the villages that are not yet safe for civilian activities.

"We have security intelligence that even the insurgents use your platforms to sell looted metals. So, no responsible government will ignore such intelligence just to be politically correct.”

He further granted a waiver allowing operators to evacuate stock accumulated before the ban from selected locations, a move intended to ease the restriction’s impact on genuine businesses.