The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew following protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the curfew during a press conference on Friday, stating that it would take effect immediately after Juma’at prayers.
The curfew follows protests sparked by the deaths of the 37 miners, who were reportedly arrested over alleged illegal mining activities.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, prompting the Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, to order an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects who had been arrested over alleged illegal mining activities were found dead while in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine what transpired while the suspects were in custody.
