Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has ordered the arrest and fining of individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, labeling it a crackdown on “rascality.”
He also imposed curfews on commercial motorcycles and tricycles and warned that homes harbouring criminals or drug dealers would be demolished.
Traditional leaders have been tasked with documenting residents as the government intensifies efforts to restore security across the state.
The directive was issued during a security stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House on Tuesday, April 22.
Governor Bago instructed security agencies to cut off dreadlocks, arrest those found with them, and impose fines.
“We will have zero tolerance for rascality. Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine him,” he said.
He further stated:
“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”
Crackdown on Youth, Criminals, and Informal Transport:
-
Governor Bago urged parents to take responsibility for their children.
-
Warned that the government would not tolerate social misconduct.
“Parents should warn their children. From this moment, it’s 100% fire-for-fire.” “Any house found harbouring criminals should be demolished. Niger State is not for useless people,” he declared.
Additionally, movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles is now restricted from 6 PM to 6 AM, except for medical emergencies.
Community Surveillance and Property Sanctions:
-
Traditional leaders (district, village, and ward heads) are directed to document all residents to help control crime.
-
Properties used for criminal activities or drug sales will be destroyed.
These sweeping measures have sparked mixed reactions, with human rights observers questioning the legality of targeting individuals based on hairstyle.
However, Governor Bago maintains that the actions are crucial for restoring order and ensuring public safety.
