Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago has ordered all security agencies to arrest individuals found with dreadlocks or firearms across the state including the demolition of any property harbouring criminals.
The governor made the announcement during a security stakeholders’ meeting held in Minna, the state capital.
The meeting had in attendance traditional rulers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders in response to a recent surge in violence and criminal activity.
“Anybody that you find with dreadlock, arrest him, barb his hair and fine him,” Governor Bago declared.
He said: “Nobody should carry any kind of haircut again inside here. I have given you marching orders; the security agencies, any boy, anybody you find with a weapon, deal with him as an armed robber.”
Addressing parents, he said, “So for parents, warn your children, warn your wards.”
The governor added, “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 harbouring criminals should be demolished.”
As part of the broader crackdown, Governor Bago announced the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Minna.
The restriction, effective from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., also extends to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations.
Exceptions would only be made for medical emergencies, he said.
In addition, community leaders have been instructed to maintain records of all visitors entering their jurisdictions.
The governor reiterated that any house sheltering criminals or drug traffickers would face demolition.
