Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has backtracked on his directive for security operatives to arrest persons with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.

Recalls that Bago, while speaking at a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the government house on Tuesday, had directed security operatives to cut the dreadlocks of such arrested residents and impose fines on them.

“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person.

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“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies,” the governor said.

The initial statement, particularly the one targeting individuals with dreadlocks, sparked intense criticism across social media and from members of the public, who accused the governor of promoting discrimination and lacking a proper grasp of effective crime-fighting strategies.

Responding 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.

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He went on to describe the backlash as “media propaganda,” and reiterated that 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.