Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno announced the ban at the inauguration of a committee for the management of the Maiduguri Cattle Market in Maiduguri.
Shettima, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Jidda Shuwa, said the government had also suspended importation of cattle to the state capital for the next two weeks.
Shettima said only the Butchers Association and Cattle Traders Association were permitted to slaughter and sell cattle in the market.
“Importation of cattle to the state capital through all routes and all sources other than the cattle traders association is hereby suspended for two weeks.
“In the same vein, the sale of dried meat is hereby banned, as it had been observed that criminal elements resort to this measure to legitimize their dubious activities ultimately aimed at funding activities of Boko Haram”, he said.
Shettima said the government had also suspended trading in four livestock markets – Gamboru, Dusuman, Shuwarin and Ngom to further ensure that only legitimate cattle were sold at the market.
“All trading activities in Gamboru Cattle Market, Dusuman, Shuwari and Ngom have been suspended till further notice in line with government’s commitment to ensure that no public place is turned to avenue for funding activities of the terrorists”, he said.
Shettima said the government took the action after intelligence reports by security agencies indicated that the cattle market was being used by suspected Boko Haram terrorists to channel rustled cows for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.
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