The Arewa Think Tank (ATT), a northern advocacy group, has expressed strong support for Niger State Governor Umar Bago’s recent executive order aimed at tackling crime and insecurity in the state.
In a statement, ATT emphasized that the governor’s actions are lawful and necessary to curb the escalating violence, particularly in Minna, the state capital, where incidents of thuggery and killings have become alarmingly frequent. The group challenged critics of the order to propose viable alternatives if they oppose the current approach.
Governor Bago had earlier directed security agencies to take decisive action against criminal elements, including arresting those suspected of inciting unrest or aiding violent groups. His directive includes clamping down on individuals causing disturbances and implementing stricter security measures.
ATT Convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu commended the governor’s bold steps to restore law and order, citing the executive order targeting individuals with dreadlocks—a move reportedly based on numerous appeals from residents distressed by the rise in violent thuggery.
“It’s disturbing that criminals have turned Minna’s streets into war zones since Governor Bago assumed office,” Yakubu stated. “We urge him to remain resolute and intensify efforts to eliminate these threats by all lawful means.”
According to ATT, over 10 people, including a retired permanent secretary, have lost their lives to thug-related violence this year alone. The group also referenced a recent case from April 22, in which a man named Mohammed was fatally stabbed while helping vigilantes confront thugs near his residence.
The group praised the Niger State House of Assembly for engaging with security agencies to address the crisis and reiterated the need for public officials to act decisively against those destabilizing the peace.
ATT called on parents to caution their children against involvement in criminal activities and urged the governor to continue enforcing a zero-tolerance stance on lawlessness. They also backed the demolition of buildings found to be sheltering criminals, emphasizing that Niger State should not become a haven for lawbreakers.
Furthermore, the group supported the governor’s curfew on commercial motorcycles and tricycles from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Minna, with exceptions only for medical emergencies.