Niger State Govt Declares 24-Hour Curfew in Minna After Protest Over Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners

The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, the state capital, following protests and unrest triggered by the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the curfew on Friday, directing residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement. The restriction takes effect after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.

The unrest followed reports that 37 suspected illegal miners arrested during an NSCDC operation in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto mining areas of the state had died while in custody.

The NSCDC had said the suspects were among those arrested during operations against illegal mining activities on September 15 and 16. The Corps said the operation was part of efforts to curb illegal mining, which authorities have linked to environmental degradation and the destruction of farmlands.

The deaths, however, sparked anger among residents, relatives of the deceased and other members of the community, with protesters demanding explanations over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Protests reportedly broke out in parts of Minna, including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road, with reports of damage to some property. Security personnel were subsequently deployed across the metropolis to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.

The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak but said the exact cause would have to be established through medical examinations and investigations. Accounts from some surviving detainees and relatives have also raised concerns about the conditions in which the suspects were held.

Following the development, the Federal Government ordered a full investigation into the deaths. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, also directed relevant officers connected with the incident to report to the Corps headquarters in Abuja to appear before the investigative panel, while a new commandant was directed to take charge of the Niger State Command.

Governor Bago also declared three days of mourning across the state in honour of the deceased and cancelled a planned All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Minna.

The governor further ordered the closure of the affected illegal mining site as authorities continue investigations into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has dispatched a team to Niger State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish what transpired during the operation and subsequent detention of the suspects.

The state government has appealed for calm and urged residents to comply with the curfew while security agencies work to restore normalcy.

The investigation is expected to determine the immediate and underlying circumstances that led to the deaths and establish responsibility where any wrongdoing is found.