The Niger State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew across the state following unrest over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The curfew takes effect immediately after Juma’at prayers today, Friday, September 18, 2026, as the government moves to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The development followed protests after the miners reportedly died while in NSCDC custody following their arrest during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the state.
The deaths have sparked anger among residents and relatives of the victims, prompting the deployment of security personnel to affected areas.
Governor Umaru Bago has confirmed the deaths and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NSCDC Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, has also been suspended pending investigation, while the Federal Government has ordered a full probe into the incident.
Authorities are yet to establish the official cause of the deaths, as investigations, including medical examinations and autopsies, are expected to determine what led to the fatalities.
The state government has appealed to residents to remain calm and comply with the curfew while security agencies work to restore normalcy.
