BREAKING: Niger state govt imposes 24-hour curfew amid protests over death of 37 miners

The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew following protests over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.

The state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, announced the curfew during a press conference on Friday.

According to the governor, the curfew takes effect immediately after Juma’at prayers on Friday.

The development follows protests sparked by the deaths of the 37 miners, who were reportedly arrested over alleged illegal mining activities.

Recall that the Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, ordered an investigation into the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects arrested over alleged illegal mining were found dead while in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.