To tackle the growing insecurity, Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has ordered the arrest of anyone found wearing dreadlocks in the state.
The Governor gave the directive during a security meeting held in Minna, where he charged security agencies to act tough on suspicious individuals. A video of the meeting, which has now gone viral on social media, showed Governor Bago issuing what he called a “marching order” to security operatives.
According to the Governor, criminal elements are allegedly hiding in plain sight, and some are using dreadlocks as a disguise. He instructed that anyone found with dreadlocks should be arrested, have their hair cut, and also be fined.
“Anybody that you find with dreadlock, arrest him, barb his hair and fine him,” Bago said in the video.
He also warned that anyone caught with illegal firearms should be treated as an armed robber. “From this moment, it’s 100% fire for fire,” he declared.
Governor Bago called on parents and guardians to caution their children, adding that any house found hiding criminals would be demolished.
Security officials have yet to release a formal statement on how the new order will be enforced.
