Niger imposes 24-hour curfew after protest over miners’ deaths

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew in response to protests and property damage linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps custody. The curfew will commence immediately after Friday congregational prayers and aims to restore calm after protesters vandalized government property, a bank, political party offices and private businesses.

The unrest has led to the vandals taking over the streets, necessitating government restrictions to prevent further destruction. The Governor appealed for residents to remain calm and exercise restraint while authorities work to restore order. The Minister of Interior has suspended the NSCDC Commandant and ordered a full investigation into the incident, assuring that no one culpable will be shielded.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also demanded accountability over the deaths, urging full accountability for anyone found responsible through action, abuse, or negligence. Forensic, medical, and autopsy examinations are being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths, which occurred during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in Niger State on September 15 and 16.