Fresh curfew begins after Friday Jumu’ah prayers as investigations intensify into reported deaths of suspected illegal miners held by NSCDC in Niger State.
By Aliru Usman
Minna, Niger State — Friday, September 18, 2026
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital, following reports of unrest in parts of the city after the deaths of suspected illegal miners reportedly occurred while they were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The curfew takes effect immediately after Friday Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in place until further notice, as security agencies move to restore order and protect lives and property across the metropolis.
Minna Curfew Imposed After Night Unrest
Governor Bago directed residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement during the curfew period.
He also urged security agencies to enforce the directive strictly, emphasizing that the state is prioritizing the safety of citizens and the prevention of further violence.
Trigger: Deaths Linked to Illegal Mining Custody
The governor said the development follows Thursday’s protest and unrest tied to the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC in Minna.
According to Bago, investigators woke up to reports indicating that dozens of detainees—stated as 37 in the announcement—had died in their cells, prompting public anger, emotional reactions, and subsequent disturbances.
NSCDC Officials Suspended as Probe Begins
Governor Bago disclosed that the Niger State government has constituted a committee of inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He further stated that the NSCDC commandant for Niger State and his team were suspended to allow for an impartial and proper investigation, while authorities gather evidence and conduct forensic and medical reviews.
Governor Says Causes Not Yet Established
The governor cautioned that it was too early to conclude the cause of death, explaining that investigators are considering multiple possibilities, including:
- Suffocation potentially caused by overcrowding in detention cells
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals, including substances associated with illegal mining activities, such as materials that may lead to poisoning
Bago said forensic examinations, medical examinations, and autopsies are underway to determine the scientific cause of death.
He added that investigators are also reviewing claims regarding the physical condition of some deceased persons, including reports of symptoms such as peeling skin and unusual bodily signs, which investigators are assessing as part of the evidence-gathering process.
Committee Investigations Expand Across Agencies
Bago also revealed that committees already constituted by the NSCDC, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services are working alongside the state’s inquiry committee.
He stressed that findings would only be relied upon after forensic and medical investigations are completed.
State Orders Closure of Illegal Mining Site
In an effort to curb illegal mining operations, the governor announced the closure of an illegal mining site in the MiOshishi area, noting that mining activities there were reportedly carried out without appropriate technology and safety equipment.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, explaining that the movement of bodies to the mortuary contributed to emotional reactions among some youths, which in turn fueled violence.
Interior Minister Orders Full-Scale Investigation
In a separate development, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.
Following the minister’s directive, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the Niger State commandant to step aside immediately and report to NSCDC headquarters in Abuja to appear before an investigation panel.
Audi also directed that relevant heads within the NSCDC structure—covering Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence, and Investigation—report to the inquiry panel, while a new commandant was ordered to take over in Niger State.
The NSCDC said personnel found to have breached the law or failed professional standards would face sanctions.
Federal Government Condoles Families of Deceased Miners
The Federal Government also expressed condolences to Niger State and the families of the deceased.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed sympathy to Governor Umaru Bago, traditional leadership, the people of Wushishi, and the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Idris stated that the federal government views the protection of lives, dignity, and fundamental rights as a solemn responsibility and emphasized the need for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.
As Minna enters a 24-hour curfew period beginning after Friday Jumu’ah prayers, authorities at both state and federal levels have intensified investigations into the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
With suspensions already issued and forensic and medical examinations underway, the focus now remains on establishing the facts—protecting citizens from further unrest and ensuring accountability where wrongdoing is found.
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