Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has declared a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following unrest linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The curfew takes effect immediately after Friday Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.
Residents have been directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement, while security agencies have been ordered to enforce the directive and protect lives and property.
The development follows protests and unrest in Minna on Thursday over the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He directed the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation.
Audi subsequently directed the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to step aside and report to the corps' headquarters in Abuja to appear before the panel investigating the incident.
The Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation in the Niger State Command were also directed to report to the panel.
Audi has appointed a new commandant to take immediate charge of the NSCDC command in Niger State.
The NSCDC said personnel found to have breached the law or established professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.
The Federal Government has also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
Idris said the Federal Government remains committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and protecting the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians.
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