The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital, following unrest in parts of the city over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners.
Governor Mohammed Bago announced the curfew during a news conference on Friday in Minna.
According to the governor, the curfew takes effect immediately after Juma’at prayers on Friday.
The development follows protests sparked by the deaths of the 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
They were reportedly arrested over alleged illegal mining activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Adamu Elleman, had ordered an investigation into the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects arrested over alleged illegal mining were found dead while in the custody of the Niger State Command of the NSCDC.