The Borno State Government has banned street begging and loitering in Maiduguri city and its environs, with immediate effect.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prof. Usman Tar.
In a public notice, Tar said street begging and aimless loitering were not part of the culture of Borno people. He described them as “undignified” and said the government was determined to put an end to them.
“In Borno State, street begging and aimless loitering are not in our character. We are dignified people.
“This is to inform members of the public that the Borno State Government has placed a strict ban on all street begging, loitering and gallivanting within and around Maiduguri Metropolis and Jere LGAs,” he said.
The notice warned that violators of the ban would be prosecuted.
The ban is part of the government’s efforts to improve security and sanitation in the state. Street begging and loitering have been linked to increased crime rates and environmental problems.
The government urged residents to cooperate with the authorities to enforce the ban.
