Tension In Niger As 37 Suspected Miners D!e In NSCDC Custody, Curfew Declared

The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following rising tension over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to Bush Radio Academy, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the curfew on Friday, directing that it take effect immediately after Juma’at prayers. Residents were subsequently urged to remain indoors and comply with the security directive as authorities work to restore calm.

The development followed protests and growing public concern over the deaths of the suspects, who were arrested during operations targeting alleged illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of the state.

The Niger State Police Command had earlier commenced an investigation after the bodies of the detainees were discovered at an NSCDC detention facility in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026. Police Commissioner Adamu Elleman ordered the probe to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Authorities have stressed that the exact cause of death has not been conclusively established. The NSCDC had said a suspected disease outbreak was being considered, while the state government ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to determine the actual cause.

Governor Bago subsequently constituted a committee of inquiry to investigate the incident. The government also announced the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and his team to facilitate an impartial investigation. The suspension was described as a measure to allow the investigation to proceed and was not presented as a declaration of guilt.

The state government also cancelled an All Progressives Congress rally scheduled to hold in Minna on Saturday and declared three days of mourning in honour of the deceased. Governor Bago expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called on residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and avoid violence.

Meanwhile, the government ordered the suspension of mining activities in the affected area as investigations continue. Authorities have said they will work with relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the appropriate action.