Niger State Governor Umaru Bago Orders Arrests for Dreadlocks in Security Crackdown

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago announced a controversial directive to arrest anyone found with dreadlocks, ordering security agencies to shave their hair and impose fines.

The statement, made during a security stakeholders’ meeting in Minna, was part of broader measures to address rising violence and thuggery in the state. “Anybody you find with dreadlock, arrest him, barb his hair and fine him,” Bago declared, also banning “any kind of haircut” and instructing agencies to treat anyone with weapons as an armed robber, according to Politics Nigeria.

The governor’s crackdown includes a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Minna from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., restricting motorcycle and tricycle operations except for medical emergencies.

Community leaders were tasked with documenting visitors, and Bago warned that houses sheltering criminals or drug traffickers would be demolished.

He urged parents to caution their children, emphasizing a “fire for fire” approach to security. Posts on X reflected mixed reactions, with some users mocking the policy, “They are busy clapping for him,” one wrote: while others questioned its seriousness, highlighting Nigeria’s broader governance challenges.

While Bago’s intent to curb insecurity aligns with his administration’s focus on safety, as seen in his 2025 N1.5 trillion budget prioritizing security, this policy raises concerns. Linking dreadlocks to criminality lacks evidence and risks profiling innocent citizens, potentially fueling human rights debates.

The directive’s practicality is also questionable, can security agencies enforce such a subjective rule without abuse? As Niger State navigates its security challenges, Bago’s approach may draw more scrutiny than support.

🚨BREAKING 🚨

“Anyone you see with dreadlocks in Minna, arrest him, barb him and fine him.”

~ Governor Umaru Bago orders pic.twitter.com/gbCOHSJHPJ

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) April 22, 2025