24-hour curfew imposed in Minna over deaths of miners in NSCDC custody.

The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital, following rising tension over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The curfew is aimed at dousing tension and maintaining peace and public order in the state capital as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The development comes amid protest in the city with angry youth blocking many part of the town.

There have been multiple investigations into the incident, including a probe ordered by President Bola Tinubu and an investigative committee constituted by the Niger State Government.

Security agencies have been urged to ensure the enforcement of the curfew while protecting lives and property and allowing the investigation into the deaths to proceed without disruption.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, has arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The IGP was received by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, during the visit, where he commiserated with the state government and the families affected by the incident.

Disu assured the governor of a thorough, transparent and comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine what led to the loss of lives while the suspects were in government custody.

The visit comes amid growing concern over the incident, with President Bola Tinubu ordering a full and transparent investigation and warning that the Federal Government would not tolerate deaths resulting from official negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

The Niger State Government has also constituted a Committee of Inquiry, while the NSCDC Commandant General has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and members of his team pending investigations.

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The detainees were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations conducted around the Lt. General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be thoroughly established and that the investigation must be conducted transparently and without interference.
The President expressed concern over the incident, stressing that every Nigerian has a right to life and humane treatment, regardless of the offence they are suspected of committing.
According to him, the government remains committed to tackling illegal mining and other criminal activities, but security and law-enforcement operations must be carried out in accordance with the law and with respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of suspects.
Tinubu warned that being accused of illegal mining does not deprive anyone of their right to life or protection from abuse while in government custody.
He further directed that any public official found to have contributed to the deaths through misconduct, abuse, negligence or failure to perform their duties should face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the conditions in which the suspects were detained, the events preceding their deaths and the actions of officials responsible for their custody.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has established a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the incident. The committee is headed by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, while the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, serves as Secretary.
Authorities said forensic examinations and autopsies would be carried out to determine the precise causes of death.
Separately, the NSCDC Commandant General has suspended Niger State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and members of his team pending the outcome of the investigations.