Friday, September 18, 2026 - Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has declared a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following unrest linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The curfew takes effect immediately
after Friday Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.
Residents have been directed to remain
indoors and avoid unnecessary movement, while security agencies have been
ordered to enforce the directive and protect lives and property.
The development follows protests and
unrest in Minna on Thursday over the deaths of suspected illegal miners who
were arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior,
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the
circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He directed the NSCDC Commandant
General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a full-scale, transparent and
unhindered investigation.
Audi subsequently directed the Niger
State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to step aside and report to the
corps' headquarters in Abuja to appear before the panel investigating the
incident.
The Heads of Operations, Mining,
Legal, Intelligence and Investigation in the Niger State Command were also
directed to report to the panel.
Audi has appointed a new commandant to
take immediate charge of the NSCDC command in Niger State.
The NSCDC said personnel found to have
breached the law or established professional standards would face appropriate
sanctions.
The Federal Government has also
expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Niger
State.
The Minister of Information and
National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the circumstances surrounding the
deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
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