Minna Boils Over After 37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody, Curfew Imposed

By Al-Amin Ciroma 

Tension in Minna, the Niger State capital, has prompted the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew following protests over the deaths of 37 people suspected of illegal mining who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

THE NATIONAL LENS reports that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the curfew on Friday after protests and unrest were reported in parts of the city.

The restriction takes effect immediately after Friday prayers and will remain in force until further notice, with residents directed to remain indoors and security agencies deployed to restore calm.

The protests followed growing anger over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees, who were arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The NSCDC had initially said some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what its Niger State Command described as a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the national headquarters of the corps subsequently stressed that the actual cause of death had not been established and would have to be determined through medical and laboratory examinations.

The conflicting accounts have intensified public concern, particularly among relatives and members of the communities affected.

Reports from Minna said protests spread to areas including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road, with security personnel deployed to prevent further escalation. Some government property and campaign materials were reportedly damaged during the unrest.

The authorities have now opened multiple lines of inquiry.

Governor Bago confirmed the deaths and constituted a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The NSCDC commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also ordered a full-scale investigation, directing the NSCDC Commandant-General to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were thoroughly examined.

The Niger State Police Command has separately commenced an investigation into the deaths.

The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called for calm, while stressing that enforcement against illegal mining must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake has also deployed a team of officials to Niger State to assist with investigations into the incident.

Meanwhile, questions remain over what happened inside the detention facility before the deaths were discovered.

While the NSCDC's state command initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, reports have also carried allegations from surviving detainees concerning overcrowding and poor ventilation. Those claims have not been independently established, making the ongoing medical and investigative processes crucial to determining the actual cause of the deaths.

The authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow the investigations to proceed, as Minna enters a period of heightened security following the protests.