The restriction takes effect immediately after Friday’s Juma’at prayer as authorities move to contain unrest following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in detention, Peak Newspaper reports.
The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, the state capital, following unrest triggered by the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The curfew takes effect immediately after Friday’s Juma’at prayer, with residents expected to remain indoors during the restriction.
The development follows protests and clashes reported in Minna on Friday after news of the deaths generated public anger and concern. Security forces were deployed as authorities moved to restore order.
The 37 deceased were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2026. They were reportedly found dead at an NSCDC detention facility in the early hours of September 17.
The NSCDC initially described the deaths as following a suspected disease outbreak but said the actual cause had not been conclusively established. The bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed the death of 37 detainees and said investigations, including forensic and medical examinations, are being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths. The Federal Government has also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation.
The police have separately commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the NSCDC has constituted an investigative team to examine the condition of the detainees before and during their detention, including the conditions of custody and medical attention provided.
