The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, the state capital, following protests and unrest linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the restriction on Friday, September 18, 2026, amid growing tension in parts of Minna. The curfew is scheduled to take effect immediately after the Friday Juma’at prayers and will remain in force until further notice.
The government said the decision was taken to prevent further escalation after protests over the deaths reportedly became violent, with incidents of vandalism and destruction of public and private property recorded in parts of the city.
Among the areas affected by the unrest were parts of Minna where protesters gathered to demand answers over the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Security personnel were subsequently deployed across the city to maintain order and prevent further disturbances.
37 Suspected Miners Die in Custody
The controversy began after 37 suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC were found dead in custody.
According to information released by the NSCDC, the suspects had been arrested during enforcement operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining. The corps initially said the deaths followed a suspected disease outbreak.
However, authorities have stressed that the exact cause of death has not yet been conclusively established.
Governor Bago confirmed the deaths and said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies would be used to determine what happened. Possible explanations being investigated include overcrowding and suffocation as well as exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining activities.
Investigation Ordered
The Niger State Government has established a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Federal Government has also ordered a full investigation and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the probe.
Authorities have said the investigations are intended to establish what happened to the detainees, including their condition when they were arrested, their treatment while in custody and the circumstances immediately preceding their deaths.
Protests and Destruction of Property
Following news of the deaths, relatives, miners and other residents took to the streets in Minna, demanding clarification and accountability.
The protests reportedly spread to areas including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road. Security agencies were deployed as tension increased, while reports indicated that some government and private properties were damaged during the unrest.
Governor Bago appealed to residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and avoid further violence, stressing that continued unrest could lead to additional destruction and loss of life.
The governor’s administration has also taken steps to identify the deceased and establish contact with their families.
Residents Directed to Stay Indoors
Under the curfew, residents of Minna have been directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement while security agencies work to restore normalcy.
Security personnel have been instructed to enforce the directive and protect lives and property throughout the period of the restriction.
The government has urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and allow the ongoing investigations to proceed without interference.
For now, the cause of the 37 deaths remains under investigation, and authorities say the outcome of the forensic and medical examinations will be critical in determining what led to the deaths and whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.