Following widespread backlash from the public and civil rights advocates, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed his controversial directive ordering the arrest of individuals with dreadlocks across the state.
The governor had earlier instructed security agencies to arrest anyone seen with dreadlocks across the state, linking the hairstyle to rising cult-related activities and insecurity, particularly in Minna, the state capital.
“Rascality in Minna anybody that you find with a dreadlock arrest him and barb his hair. From this moment is fire for fire.
“Any attempt to harass any security officer is an attempt to harass the government of Niger State,” Bago had declared during a public address.
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In addition to the dreadlocks directive, Bago also announced a 12-hour daily restriction on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, banning their operations from 6pm to 6am, as part of a broader crackdown on violent crimes.
He also warned that any house found sheltering criminals or drug dealers would be demolished, emphasizing that his administration would “apply maximum force to restore order.”
Reacting to the development, particularly the one targeting individuals with dreadlocks, members of the public had continued to knock the governor, accusing him of promoting discrimination and lacking a proper grasp of effective crime-fighting strategies.
In response to the outrage, Bago clarified his position on Wednesday during an event in Minna, where he declared the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport as an alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“Yesterday, we read a riot act on hooliganism, and people misconstrued our words for people who have dreadlocks.
“We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks.
“So, if you have dreadlocks and you have business, please come to Niger State,” Bago said.
The governor further condemned the backlash, describing it as “media propaganda.”
According to him, the enforcement efforts are targeted specifically at criminal groups.
He said, “We are only driving that cult that is becoming a menace in Niger State. Thank you.”
Bago maintained that law-abiding citizens are not under threat, stating the crackdown is solely aimed at criminal elements who use cult symbols, including dreadlocks, to mask their activities and evade law enforcement.
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