Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has defended the recently imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew on motorcycles and tricycles in Minna, saying it is a necessary response to rising violence and insecurity in the city.

In a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said the move is aimed at disrupting the operations of criminal elements who exploit mobility to commit crimes and escape arrest.

“This is not about punishing law-abiding citizens,” Bago stated. “Rather, it is a proactive and urgent measure to address the growing insecurity that has afflicted parts of the state capital in recent days.”

The governor disclosed that the surge in violence has been largely linked to miscreants, many aged between 13 and 22, who use motorcycles and tricycles—popularly known as keke NAPEP—to evade law enforcement.

“If these boys are not restricted, they can carry out criminal activities in one part of town and vanish into another within minutes,” he said. “Their swift mobility not only makes arrests difficult but also enables the rapid spread of their operations.”

Acknowledging the inconvenience the curfew might cause, Bago maintained that it is a necessary sacrifice to ensure public safety. “The safety of lives and property remains the topmost priority of this administration,” he emphasized.

The restriction, which took effect Tuesday, will remain in force until further notice.