Government lifts curfew on Nalerigu Township

The government has lifted the curfew imposed on Nalerigu Township and its environs in the North East Region with immediate effect.

The decision was announced in a statement signed by the Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and issued on Monday, February 16, 2026.

According to the statement, the curfew was lifted on the advice of the North East Regional Security Council and backed by an Executive Instrument, following what the government described as improved peace and security in the area.

The curfew was first imposed in July 2025 as part of measures introduced to maintain law and order in Nalerigu and surrounding communities after disturbances in the area. At the time, the Ministry of the Interior said the restrictions were necessary to restore calm and prevent further incidents. The curfew hours were reviewed on several occasions in line with security assessments by the Regional Security Council.

In addition to restricting movement during specified hours, the government placed a ban on the possession of arms, ammunition and offensive weapons in the affected areas and warned that offenders would face arrest and prosecution.

Despite lifting the curfew, the government urged chiefs, opinion leaders, youth and residents to exercise restraint in dealing with local tensions. The statement encouraged the use of non-violent means to channel grievances and maintain peace in the township and its environs.

The government stated that it would continue to maintain law and order and work with traditional and community leaders as the situation evolves.

With the removal of the restrictions, residents of Nalerigu are expected to resume social and economic activities without time limits while security agencies monitor developments.