BREAKING: Borno Governor suspends French iNGO over shooting training

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has suspended a French international non-governmental organization, INGO, for allegedly engaging in an unfamiliar activities that may cause panic in the society.

The INGO, Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, ACTED, was found engaging in shooting training at a hotel in the state’s capital, Maiduguri on Saturday.

On that note, Governor Zulum gave immediate directives for the suspension of the organization on Saturday.

Mal. Isa Gusau, Governor Zulum’s spokesman, announced the directives to the public, noting that investigations have been commissioned into the matter.

‘The French iNGO was found using toy guns and simulators in training exercises at a hotel located off circular road in Maiduguri,’ Mr. Gusau said.

He explained that ‘residents near the hotel had reported to officials that they were hearing sounds of gunshots from the hotel, following which government officials reported the matter to GRA Divisional Police Headquarters which oversees the hotel’s location. The police found some toy pistols at the hotel while two trainers, both Nigerians, were at the police station with investigation going on.’

Pending police investigation, Zulum also directed the sealing of the hotel and suspension of ACTED from any humanitarian activity in Borno State.

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

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

ACTED, was founded in 1993, with headquarters in Paris, France.