Niger Imposes 24-Hour Curfew After Protests Over Deaths Of 37 Miners

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

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the restriction on Friday during a press conference, directing that it would take effect immediately after Juma’at prayers.

The curfew followed demonstrations triggered by the deaths of the miners, who were reportedly arrested over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, after the suspects were taken into custody.

The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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

The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with authorities expected to establish what happened while the suspects were in custody.

The state government’s decision to impose the curfew comes as authorities move to contain the protests and maintain public order following the incident.