Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has directed security operatives to arrest individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital, as part of a crackdown on what he described as “rascality.”

Speaking during a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House on Tuesday, Bago instructed that those arrested should have their hair shaved and be fined. The meeting was attended by security personnel and traditional leaders.

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

Bago also ordered that anyone found in possession of arms should be treated as an armed robber, as his administration seeks to tighten security and maintain public order.

Chioma Onuh is a journalist, social media manager and SEO specialist with over five years of experience in digital storytelling and audience engagement. She writes clear, human-centred stories and profiles, and currently manages digital content and strategy at BusinessDay.

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