Insecurity: Niger Gov orders arrest of anyone with dreadlocks

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State on Tuesday ordered security agencies to arrest individuals wearing dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.

Bago, while speaking during a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House, directed that such persons should not only be arrested but also have their hair cut and face fines.

He said, “We will have zero tolerance for rascality. Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine him.

“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”

The meeting, which was attended by security operatives and traditional rulers, focused on tightening security across the state.

Governor Bago also called on parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s conduct, warning that the government would now adopt a more aggressive approach to security enforcement.

“Parents should warn their children. From this moment, it’s 100% fire-for-fire.

“Also, any house found harbouring criminals should be demolished. Niger State is not for useless people,” Bago added.

He further announced a ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles between 6pm and 6am in Minna, stating that only vehicles used for medical emergencies would be allowed to move during the restricted hours.

The governor also directed community leaders — including district, village, and ward heads — to document all residents in their jurisdictions as part of an effort to improve local intelligence gathering.

Source: Tribune