Zulum Links Scrap Metal Trade to Insecurity, Infrastructure Losses
By Ahmed Ahmed
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has linked scrap metal trading to security threats and massive losses of public infrastructure, saying the state lost billions of naira to scavenging activities.
Zulum made this known while addressing scrap metal dealers, popularly known as Ajakuta, urging them to propose ways of sustaining their businesses without compromising security or destroying public assets.
According to a statement signed by Dauda Iliya, the governor’s Adviser on Media and Communication, the concerns prompted the state government to ban scrap metal trading.
Zulum said the government had no personal interest in stopping the operators’ businesses but was concerned about protecting public infrastructure and safeguarding lives.
He cited the loss of electricity cables after the government spent more than N3 billion to connect an electricity distribution line from Damaturu to Maiduguri.
“We spent more than N3 billion to connect an electricity distribution line from Damaturu to Maiduguri, but unfortunately, we lost all the wires to metal scavenging activities,” he said.
The governor added that hundreds of scavengers had been killed while searching for metals in villages that were not yet safe for civilian activities.
He also raised concerns over security intelligence indicating that insurgents were using scrap metal dealers to sell looted materials.
Zulum said the government could not ignore such intelligence at the expense of public safety and security.
However, he granted a waiver allowing operators to evacuate stocks accumulated before the ban from designated locations to reduce the impact on legitimate businesses.
He urged the dealers to submit workable proposals for conducting their businesses without contributing to insecurity or damaging public infrastructure.
