Curfew in Minna: Restriction disrupting our businesses — Traders

As the 6pm – 6am curfew entered its second day in Minna, the capital of Niger State, residents, traders, and operators of commercial vehicles have expressed strong opposition to the movement restriction, calling for its suspension. The state’s governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, on Tuesday, announced restrictions on the movement of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators […]

As the 6pm – 6am curfew entered its second day in Minna, the capital of Niger State, residents, traders, and operators of commercial vehicles have expressed strong opposition to the movement restriction, calling for its suspension.

The state’s governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, on Tuesday, announced restrictions on the movement of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators between 6pm and 6am as part of new security measures.

While the measure was introduced by the state government to curb rising incidents of thuggery, phone snatching, and robberies, many said it punishes law-abiding citizens rather than tackling the root causes of insecurity.

Residents insisted that the individuals responsible for the chaos are well known within their communities and by the security agencies.

They said rather than restricting movement for all, the authorities should directly target the perpetrators.

Our livelihoods affected— Traders, tricycle operators

Traders and tricycle operators lament the economic impact of the curfew, saying it forces premature market closures and severely limits transportation options.

Mrs Monsurat Olaitan, a trader at Kure Ultra-Modern Market, emphasised the need for visible security deployment instead of blanket restrictions.

“The curfew is affecting us, especially due to the lack of transportation. Many of us have to trek long distances. I suggest it starts from 7pm instead of 6pm. More importantly, the government should deploy security personnel to key areas like markets to prevent disruptions.

“On Tuesday, everyone left the market in a panic because no one was sure they’d find a vehicle to take them home. It takes about 45 minutes to get to my house from the market, so the issue isn’t just the curfew itself. We need a stronger security presence—that would make a significant difference,” she said.

Ahmed Isah, a tricycle operator, called for the reintroduction of a previously effective system that required operators to undergo stringent registration.

“Curfew can’t solve this. We need better enforcement, proper documentation of operators, and severe penalties for murder. Let anyone found guilty of homicide face execution. That will restore peace.”

He added that the laxity of the system has allowed criminal elements from outside the state to infiltrate Minna, only to disappear after committing crimes.

Monday Sule Ndaba, criticised the lack of sustained security efforts, saying “Since 2023, we’ve seen more violent crimes than under past administrations. Phone snatching is rampant. Thugs operate freely. The government’s security strategy has failed us.”

Fatima Jibrin, a resident of Dutsen-Kura Gwari, recounted how she was stranded for hours in the Tunga area after visiting her sister.

“I had to wait until 9pm for a stranger to give me a ride. My phone battery had died, and I was terrified. Luckily, he was kind. But many others had to trek long distances, unaware of the curfew,” she said.

Over 80 suspects arrested — Police

The State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of over 80 suspects in connection with the recent unrest in the state capital.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the command’s spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that the prime suspect behind the killing of Mohammed Amore in the Fadikpe area—an incident that sparked public outrage on Sunday—has also been arrested.

According to Abiodun, the suspect, 23-year-old Nura Abdulrahman, was arrested following intelligence gathering and community cooperation.

During interrogation, Nura reportedly confessed that he, along with two others—identified as Abdullahi and a yet-to-be-apprehended individual known as Buhari—were smoking hemp by the riverside at about 10:30pm when vigilante operatives attempted to arrest them.

He further revealed that the deceased, Mohammed Amore, held him during the confrontation, and in an attempt to escape, he stabbed Amore in the upper left side of the chest using a shoemaker’s spike.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Nura fled the scene and ran to Abuja, but was tracked down and arrested with the help of community members and relatives.

In a related development, the police also arrested 15 additional suspects in the Shango area on Wednesday, believed to be linked to ongoing disturbances.

SP Abiodun assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that the police remain committed to restoring peace and security in the affected areas.

‘Judiciary granting suspects bail’

A senior police officer who spoke anonymously criticised the judiciary for derailing efforts to curb violence.

“Each time we bring criminals to court, they’re granted bail and go back to commit worse crimes. We need the judiciary to align with the executive and legislature, especially now that the State Assembly is pushing for capital punishment for thuggery,” the source said.

Controversy over dreadlocks

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s directive to shave dreadlocks on suspected thugs has drawn national attention and backlash.

Critics label it an infringement on personal freedom, but residents point to local trends where the hairstyle is allegedly linked to cultism and violent groups.

“We don’t have an issue with dreadlocks. “But we do have a problem with cults using dreadlocks as identifiers. Our target is not fashion—it’s criminality,” said Governor Bago during the launch of commercial flights from Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport.

A statement from Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser on Print Media, said the curfew and dreadlock directive were proactive steps against escalating violence.

She said, “Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago fully understands the challenges this temporary measure may pose to hardworking Nigerlites who conduct their businesses lawfully. However, the protection of lives and property remains the highest priority of this administration.”

Wakaso noted that in the past six days, the state recorded a series of violent incidents, including the loss of several lives to attacks by miscreants operating like mini cult groups.

She said these groups, primarily made up of boys aged between 13 and 22, have taken advantage of the unrestricted movement offered by motorcycles and tricycles to carry out crimes across Minna and quickly escape capture.

“If not curbed, these boys can commit crimes in one part of town and disappear into another within minutes. Their ability to move swiftly not only frustrates arrest efforts but also facilitates the rapid expansion of their operations,” she added.

According to the statement, the curfew was imposed to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks. While the government acknowledges the inconvenience to residents and the impact on local commerce, the action is deemed a necessary step to restore order and safeguard the community.

The statement also highlighted a worrying trend linked to these groups: the emergence of a distinct hairstyle—dreadlocks in the front and a shaved back of the head—which appears to be forming a recognisable group identity.

“Security agencies have been directed to monitor individuals with this distinct hairstyle. This is not an attempt to criminalise fashion choices, but rather a preventive strategy based on intelligence reports and observed patterns. The goal is to halt the spread of these disruptive groups before they become deeply rooted,” the statement added.

Bago’s 10 measures to combat insecurity

During a high-level stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, Governor Bago issued 10 directives to address insecurity in Minna, the state capital. The directives are:

-Anyone found with a weapon—including knives or sticks—to be treated as an armed robber. If killed, their parents will be made to pay for the bullet used.

– Arrest and shave the heads of individuals keeping dreadlocks linked to cult groups.

– Immediate curfew on commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke napep) from 6pm to 6am.

– Arrest anyone seeking bail for known thugs.

– Dethronement of traditional rulers found sheltering criminals.

– Demolition of houses selling illicit drugs and arrest of all occupants.

-Establishment of a special court for speedy prosecution of thuggery-related offences.

-Intensified security presence in hotspots like Angwa Daji and Barkin-Sale.

-“Operation Flush” to report directly to the Governor’s Office.

-Confiscation of any vehicle transporting illicit drugs into the city.

Curfew alone not enough — Security expert

Security expert Dr Hamza Kamar warned that curfews have limited impact without active enforcement.

“Curfews may temporarily restrict movement, but only visible security presence and proper legal follow-through will deter criminals. What we need is constant patrol and swift prosecution.”