Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has issued a firm directive aimed at tackling growing insecurity within the state, ordering the arrest of anyone spotted with dreadlocks or firearms.
This directive was delivered during a security stakeholders’ meeting held in Minna, the state capital. The gathering, which included traditional rulers, security personnel, and community heads, was convened to address the rising tide of criminal activity and violence troubling various parts of the state.
In his address, Governor Bago stated, “Anybody that you find with dreadlock, arrest him, barb his hair and fine him.” He added, “Nobody should carry any kind of haircut again inside here. I have given you marching order, the security agencies, any boy, anybody you find with a weapon, deal with him as an armed robber.”
Turning his message to parents and guardians, the governor warned, “So for parents, warn your children, warn your wards.”
He went on to declare, “From this moment, it’s 100% fire for fire. 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. And any house found harboring criminals should be demolished.”
As part of these security measures, Governor Bago imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Minna, running from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The restriction also includes a ban on the movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles during those hours, with exemptions made solely for medical emergencies.
Additionally, the governor instructed traditional and community leaders to properly document all visitors entering their areas. He reiterated that any residence discovered to be providing shelter for criminals or those involved in drug trafficking would be demolished as part of the crackdown.
