The Governor of Niger State, Umar Mohammed Bago, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found wearing dreadlocks across the state as part of a “broader crackdown on insecurity.”
The ban, effective immediately, aims to address rising violence and gang activities within the state capital.
Governor Bago’s directive also includes a 12-hour ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Kekenapep) in Minna, which will be in effect daily from 6pm to 6am.
The governor warned that properties found harbouring criminals or engaged in the trade of illegal drugs would be demolished.
“Rascality in Minna, anybody that you find with a dreadlock, arrest him and barb his hair,” the governor said. “Any attempt to harass any security officer is an attempt to harass the government of Niger state. We are going to come with the full force of power of the government and descend on you.”
The governor’s orders form part of a comprehensive strategy to curb criminality, with an emphasis on public safety and security. Security agencies are now tasked with implementing these orders, including cracking down on criminal hideouts and maintaining strict surveillance across the state.
Bago’s government has promised to use the full force of its power to ensure that these new measures are enforced effectively.
