Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has declared a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following unrest in parts of the city.
The curfew took effect immediately after Friday Jumu’ah prayers and remains in force until further notice. Residents have been directed to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement, while security agencies have been urged to enforce the directive and protect lives and property across the metropolis.
The move follows Thursday’s protest linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
Authorities have called on residents to remain calm and comply with official directives as the situation develops.
Separately, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the deaths, directing the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a transparent and unhindered probe.
Audi has since ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside and report to NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation, to appear before the panel of inquiry. A new commandant has been deployed to take command of the state command.
In a statement, NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi said personnel found to have breached the law or professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.
