Governor Mohammed Bago orders residents indoors after protests and property damage linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, 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 governor announced the curfew on Friday, September 18, 2026, amid escalating unrest in parts of the capital.
The restriction took effect immediately after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers, with residents directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement.
Bago said the decision followed reports of vandalism involving government facilities, a bank, political party offices and private businesses.
He appealed to residents to remain calm while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Protests Follow Deaths in NSCDC Custody
The protests reportedly spread across areas including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road, where demonstrators demanded answers concerning the deaths.
The deceased were among individuals arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the corps later stated that the actual cause remained under investigation.
Governor Bago said possible causes being examined included overcrowding-related suffocation and exposure to hazardous substances associated with illegal mining.
He stressed that authorities must await the outcome of forensic examinations, medical tests and autopsies before reaching conclusions.
NSCDC Commandant Suspended
The Federal Government has suspended the NSCDC Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending an investigation into the deaths.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC Commandant-General to conduct a full-scale investigation.
The corps also ordered senior personnel responsible for operations, mining, intelligence, investigation and legal matters to appear before the investigative panel.
A new commandant has been directed to assume control of the Niger State Command during the investigation.
Government Cancels APC Rally
The Niger State Government also cancelled an All Progressives Congress rally scheduled for Saturday, September 19, in Minna.
The decision formed part of measures announced to manage the heightened tension and restore public order.
The state government has constituted a committee of inquiry chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Meanwhile, separate investigations by security agencies are expected to determine what happened to the detainees and whether any officials or other individuals bear responsibility.
Cause of Death Remains Unconfirmed
The cause of the deaths has not been officially established.
Reports have raised questions about detention conditions, including allegations of overcrowding and poor ventilation. However, investigators are expected to determine whether these factors, illness, exposure to hazardous substances or other circumstances contributed to the fatalities.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid violence and allow the investigations to proceed.
