RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna following protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the curfew on Friday as authorities moved to contain the unrest that erupted in parts of the state capital.
The directive takes effect immediately after Juma’at prayers on Friday, with residents urged to remain indoors and comply with security directives.
The protests followed the discovery of the bodies of 37 detainees who had been arrested during NSCDC operations against alleged illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, while its national headquarters said the actual cause of death had not been established pending medical and laboratory examinations.
Governor Bago has constituted a committee of inquiry and ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to determine the cause of the deaths. The Niger State NSCDC commandant and his team have also been suspended to facilitate an impartial investigation.
The police have separately commenced an investigation into the incident, while security personnel have been deployed across Minna following the protests.
The state government has appealed for calm and urged residents to avoid actions that could further disrupt public order as investigations continue.
