Following a wave of public backlash, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has reversed his earlier directive ordering the arrest of individuals with dreadlocks, a move that had sparked widespread outrage and accusations of discrimination.

Earlier, Governor Bago had issued a stern order to security agencies, stating:

“Rascality in Minna—anybody that you find with a dreadlock, arrest him and barb his hair. From this moment, it is fire for fire,” he declared during a public address, linking dreadlocks to rising cult-related activities and insecurity in Minna, the state capital.

The announcement also included a 6pm to 6am restriction on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, and a threat to demolish buildings harboring criminals or drug dealers.

However, the directive was met with strong opposition from civil rights advocates and the public, who condemned it as discriminatory and ineffective in addressing crime.

Amid the backlash, the governor clarified his stance at a public event in Minna on Wednesday:

“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.

He also dismissed the uproar as “media propaganda,” emphasizing that his administration’s security crackdown targets only criminal elements using cult symbols such as dreadlocks.

“We are only driving that cult that is becoming a menace in Niger State,” he added.

Governor Bago maintained that law-abiding citizens are not at risk, insisting his government is committed to restoring order without infringing on individual rights.