Zulum Suspends French NGO For Training People To Use Gun

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has ordered for the immediate suspension of an International Non-Government Organisation (iNGO), ACTED after it was discovered on Saturday that the humanitarian organization was using a hotel in Maiduguri, the state capital, for training the people of the state on how to operate guns.

The spokesperson to the Governor, Malam Isa Gusau, announced the directive, adding that the French iNGO was found using toy guns and simulators in a training exercise at a hotel located off the circular road in Maiduguri.

The spokesperson added that the residents around the hotel had reported to officials that they were hearing some sounds of gunshots from the hotel, following which government officials reported the situation to the GRA Divisional Police Headquarters which oversees the hotel location.

Found in the hotel were three toy pistols with two trainers who were Nigerians. According to Gusau, the arrested persons were in the police station for further questioning.

The statement said pending the outcome of the police investigation, Governor Zulum has directed sealing of the hotel and suspension of ACTED from any humanitarian activity in Borno State.

Gusau noted that Governor Zulum acknowledges and deeply appreciates the roles of credible iNGOs which have been providing critical humanitarian interventions in different parts of Borno.

He assured them of the government’s continued cooperation and support while also upholding obedience to prevailing laws, policies, and rules guiding all activities and actions across the state.