Niger Imposes 24-Hour Curfew After Protest Over Miners’ Deaths

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna following protests and destruction of property linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Bago announced the restriction on Friday, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers and remain in force until further notice. Residents were directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movements.

The governor said the measure became necessary after protesters allegedly vandalised government facilities, attacked a bank, destroyed political party offices and damaged private businesses.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint while investigations into the deaths continue.

The protests followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The detainees were taken into NSCDC custody in Minna, where the deaths were later recorded. The circumstances surrounding the fatalities have generated public anger.

The exact cause of death has not been established. The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors told journalists that overcrowding and suffocation may have contributed.

Authorities are conducting forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, to establish what happened and determine the actual cause of the deaths.

The Federal Government has also ordered an investigation. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris said the government would not shield anyone found culpable.

Bago had earlier constituted a committee of inquiry and declared three days of mourning for the victims.

The governor said preliminary findings had raised questions about possible exposure to hazardous substances, but stressed that further scientific examinations were required before conclusions could be reached.

The unrest has also prompted increased security deployment across the state capital, as authorities seek to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.

Bago condemned the destruction of public and private property and urged residents to allow the investigation to proceed peacefully.

The curfew is intended to restore calm while authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether officials or other individuals should face sanctions.

Authorities said normal activities will resume after security conditions improve further.