By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, the state capital, following protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The curfew takes effect immediately after Juma’at prayers on Friday, September 18, 2026, as authorities move to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The unrest followed the deaths of the suspects, who were arrested during NSCDC operations against illegal mining activities in parts of the state on September 15 and 16.
The 37 suspects were reportedly found dead in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, while in detention.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, with the bodies deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the cause of death.
PerSecondNews recalls that Governor Umaru Bago confirmed the deaths at a press conference on Thursday and announced the constitution of a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The state government has also ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to establish the scientific cause of the fatalities.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation into the incident.
Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm, stay indoors and comply with security directives while investigations into the deaths continue.
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