Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has directed security agencies to arrest anyone spotted wearing dreadlocks in the state capital, Minna, citing rising security threats.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during a security stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers and heads of security agencies. Governor Bago expressed strong disapproval of what he termed “rascality” in Minna, vowing to restore order.
“There will be zero tolerance for rascality in Minna,” Bago said. “Anyone seen with dreadlocks should be arrested, their hair shaved, and fined.”
He added that no unusual hairstyles would be tolerated, emphasizing a crackdown on youth behavior:
“Nobody should carry any kind of hair again. I’ve given security agencies a marching order. Anyone caught with a weapon should be treated as an armed robber.”
The governor also called on parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s conduct.
“Parents, warn your children and wards. From now on, it’s 100% fire for fire,” he declared.
This comes after the state government imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew in Minna following a surge in violent attacks and killings. The curfew also applies to commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke NAPEP), with medical emergencies being the only exception.
“Only those seeking urgent medical care are exempted from the movement ban,” Bago noted, stressing that protecting lives in Niger State is a top priority.
Additionally, the governor instructed community leaders to document all visitors to their areas. He warned that any property found harboring criminals or drug activities would be demolished.
The move comes amid a resurgence of gang violence and thuggery in Minna, prompting stricter enforcement measures from the state government.
