The Niger State Government has announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew on commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke NAPEP) operators in Minna, the state capital, as part of measures to tackle rising insecurity.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago disclosed the decision on Tuesday, stating that the restriction—which runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily—is aimed at curbing violence and criminal activities that have recently plagued the city.
“This curfew became necessary to stem the tide of insecurity in the city,” Bago said in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bologi Ibrahim. “I will not stand by and watch criminals continue to perpetrate evil.”
The announcement followed violent unrest that led to the arrest of over 20 youths, many of whom were reportedly riding motorcycles and tricycles during the disturbances. According to the governor, only individuals facing medical emergencies will be exempt from the restrictions.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public safety, Governor Bago declared: “The safety of the lives of Nigerlites and those residing in the state is of great importance to my government.”
He warned that any individual found carrying weapons would be treated as an armed robber, and any harassment of security personnel would be taken as an attempt to challenge the authority of the state. “It is going to be 100 percent enforcement that is fire for fire, as enough is enough,” the governor emphasized.
The governor also issued a directive to traditional and local leaders to properly document anyone residing in their communities. “Any house found to be harbouring criminals will be demolished, while buildings where hard drugs are sold will also be destroyed,” he warned.
He also ordered security agencies to arrest individuals wearing dreadlocks, have their hair shaved, and impose fines as a deterrent. He called on parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions, noting, “Anyone caught engaging in any violent activity will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Describing governance as “a collective responsibility,” Governor Bago urged all residents and stakeholders to join hands with security agencies to restore order in Minna.
