In a controversial move, the Governor of Niger State has reportedly ordered the arrest of individuals spotted with dreadlocks, citing a clampdown on ‘suspicious appearances’ as part of a wider security operation.
The directive has sparked outrage on social media and among civil rights advocates.
Critics argue that the order is discriminatory and violates fundamental human rights, especially the right to personal expression and freedom from arbitrary arrest.
Many see it as a distraction from more pressing security issues plaguing the state, including banditry and mass displacement.
Human rights groups have called on the governor to rescind the directive and focus on intelligence-led policing instead of targeting hairstyles.
So far, the state government has not issued a formal clarification, but the development continues to stir heated public discourse nationwide.
