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.”
This directive comes shortly after the governor announced a 12‑hour ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Kekenapep) in Minna, which will be in effect daily from 6pm to 6am.
The ban, effective immediately, is intended to address rising violence and gang activities within the state capital.
Governor Bago’s recent orders form part of a comprehensive strategy to curb criminality, with an emphasis on public safety and security. The ban on motorcycles and tricycles follows reports of killings and unrest linked to violent groups using these vehicles for their operations.
He said, “Rascality in Minna anybody that you find with a dreadlock arrest him and barb his hair. I have given you much order the security agencies anybody anybody you find with a weapon deal with him as an armed robber so for parents warn your children warn your words from this moment is 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 over development National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other agencies clamp down on drug dealers zero percent tolerance in Niger states as the state is not for useless people.”
VIDEO: Niger Governor Bago Orders Arrest, Shaving Of Anyone With Dreadlocks, Cites Security Concerns pic.twitter.com/BPIfPHzQGm
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 22, 2025
