Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has declared a crackdown on criminals and individuals with dreadlocks, ordering the police to arrest and shave them.

“No tolerance for rascality in Minna,” Mr Bago said in a viral video on X on Tuesday, “Anybody you find with dreadlocks, arrest him, shave his hair and fine him.”

He added, “Nobody should carry any kind of hair again. I’ve given the security agencies a marching order.”

The governor, who cited security concerns, ordered the security agencies to treat anybody found with a weapon as an armed robber, urging parents to warn their children.

“Parents warn children, warn your wards. From this moment, it’s 100 per cent fire for fire. Any attempt to harass any security officer is an attempt to harass the government of Niger State,” Mr Bago declared.

The governor added, “Any house harbouring criminals should be demolished. No room for useless people in Niger State. NDLEA and other agencies should arrest drug dealers in the state. Here is a marching order.”

Mr Bago’s directive came amid tragic killings in several parts of the country, especially in Benue State.

Earlier on Tuesday, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu assured the people of Benue of the federal government’s determination to end insecurity ravaging the state.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi following the killing of over 72 persons in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas on Good Friday, Mr Ribadu said President Bola Tinubu had emphasised that Benue was not alone in its current security challenges, noting that the entire country was grappling with similar issues.