Niger Imposes 24-Hour Curfew in Minna After 37 people Die in NSCDC Custody

Niger Imposes 24-Hour Curfew in Minna After 37 people Die in NSCDC Custody

The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, the state capital, following protests triggered by the deaths of 37 people who alleged as illegal miners 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 from immediately after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers until further notice.

The directive followed protests in parts of Minna, during which government property, businesses and other facilities were reportedly damaged.

Security agencies have been deployed across the city to restore calm and prevent further violence.

The government urged residents to remain peaceful and comply with the curfew, saying the measure was necessary to protect lives and property.

Governor Bago had earlier confirmed the deaths of the 37 suspects in NSCDC custody, describing the incident as “sad” and “tragic.”

He said the state government had established a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to the governor, forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, are being conducted to establish the actual cause of death.

He cautioned against reaching conclusions before the investigations are completed.

The deceased were among suspects arrested during operations against illegal mining around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna on September 15 and 16.

The Niger State NSCDC Command had initially reported that some detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17 following a suspected disease outbreak. Their bodies were subsequently deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for examination.

In a related development, the NSCDC has suspended its Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation into the incident.

The corps has also constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the suspects at the time of detention, the conditions under which they were held and the medical attention provided to them.

Niger Imposes 24-Hour Curfew in Minna After 37 people Die in NSCDC Custody