Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following violent protests sparked by the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Bago announced the measure during a press conference on Friday, stating that the curfew would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
He explained that the decision was necessary to restore calm after protesters vandalised government property, banks, political party offices, and private businesses.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here. The State Transport Company buses have been vandalised, Sterling Bank was hit, party offices destroyed, and people’s businesses destroyed,” Bago said.
The unrest followed confirmation that 37 suspected illegal miners had died while in NSCDC custody after being arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16.
The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the incident. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, while the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, assured that no one found culpable would be shielded.
Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also demanded accountability, insisting that anyone responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” must face justice.
Governor Bago appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint as authorities work to restore order.
