Niger Governor Bago Clears Air on Dreadlocks Controversy, Says Targets are Cult-Linked Criminals

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has addressed the growing controversy surrounding his administration’s recent stance on hooliganism, clarifying that individuals with dreadlocks are not the target of the government’s security crackdown.

Speaking in Minna on Wednesday at the declaration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport as a designated alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Bago explained that his earlier comments had been misinterpreted.

“Our message was against hooliganism, but unfortunately, it was twisted to appear as though we’re targeting people based on appearance,” he said. “We have no issue with dreadlocks. The problem is with criminal cults that have adopted dreadlocks as part of their identity.”

He encouraged law-abiding individuals with dreadlocks to feel welcome in Niger State. “If you have dreadlocks and you’re here to do legitimate business, Niger State is open to you,” he assured.

Governor Bago dismissed media reports suggesting otherwise, calling them misleading. “This is simply media propaganda. We are going after cult groups that are becoming a threat to peace and security, not innocent citizens,” he stated.

The governor reaffirmed that the ongoing efforts are focused solely on criminal networks that disguise themselves with cult symbols to avoid detection, stressing that the government remains committed to protecting the rights of all residents.