Niger Deaths: Niger State Imposes 24-Hour Curfew, Suspends All Mining Activities

The Niger State Government has declared an immediate, statewide 24-hour curfew and ordered the indefinite suspension of all mining activities across the state.

The drastic directives, which take effect immediately following today’s Jummat prayers, are aimed at curbing a brewing security crisis and restoring public order.

Governor Umar Bago announced the sweeping measures at the Government House in Minna during a high-profile meeting with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and his delegation.

According to state officials, the decision follows volatile public protests triggered by the controversial deaths of several suspected illegal miners who were recently taken into custody by security forces.

“These directives are part of aggressive proactive measures by the state government to address the prevailing security situation and guarantee the safety of lives and property across Niger State,” Governor Bago stated.

The security clampdown coincides with federal intervention, as Minister Tunji-Ojo has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full-scale investigation into the custodial deaths.

In light of the curfew, the state government has issued a strict stay-at-home advisory. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed across strategic locations to enforce the directive.