Bago Declares War on Dreadlocks: Arrest, Fine, Haircut for Offenders in Niger

In a controversial move that has drawn criticism from rights advocates, the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has ordered security agencies to arrest and fine individuals wearing dreadlocks within the state capital, Minna.

Speaking at a security stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday at the Government House, Governor Bago declared a zero-tolerance stance on what he described as “rascality,” directing law enforcement to not only detain anyone seen with dreadlocks but also forcibly shave their hair and impose fines.

“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks—arrest, barb the hair, and fine him,” Bago said emphatically. “Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”

The meeting was attended by traditional rulers and senior security personnel, with discussions centred on strengthening the state’s internal security. Governor Bago also issued a stern warning to parents, urging them to take full responsibility for their children’s conduct, while hinting at a more aggressive policing strategy going forward.

“Parents should warn their children. From this moment, it’s 100% fire-for-fire,” the governor warned.

In addition to the crackdown on dreadlocks, the governor announced a dusk-to-dawn ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, restricting their movement from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Only vehicles on medical emergencies would be permitted during the curfew hours.

He also vowed to demolish any building found to be harbouring criminal elements, stressing that Niger State “is not for useless people.”

Further measures announced include a directive to all community leaders—district, village, and ward heads—to begin comprehensive documentation of residents in their areas to enhance grassroots intelligence gathering.

Governor Bago’s sweeping pronouncements have stirred debate across social and legal circles, with many questioning the legality and human rights implications of targeting individuals based on hairstyle. Critics argue that such policies could lead to profiling, abuse of power, and a violation of personal freedoms, especially among the youth.

The state government has not yet issued formal guidelines clarifying the scope or legal basis for the new orders.