Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew across Minna following protests and unrest over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The curfew took effect immediately after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.
Residents have been ordered to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement, while security agencies have been directed to enforce the order and protect lives and property.
The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC initially said the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the circumstances surrounding the deaths have sparked protests and calls for an investigation. Governor Bago confirmed the death toll at 37 and said forensic examinations, medical tests, and autopsies were being conducted to determine the cause of death.
The Niger State Government has also suspended the state NSCDC commandant and constituted an inquiry into the incident. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation.
Bago urged residents to remain calm and comply with the curfew as authorities work to restore normalcy in the state capital.
