Minna, Niger State, has been placed under a 24-hour curfew after protests over the deaths of 37 people in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps custody escalated into unrest on Friday, 18 September 2026.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said the restriction would take effect immediately after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers and remain in force until further notice. Residents were directed to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement while security agencies were instructed to enforce the order and protect lives and property.

The curfew marks a significant new development in a case FlyingEze has been following. Earlier on Friday, FlyingEze reported that the Niger State NSCDC commandant had been removed from the post while investigations began . A separate FlyingEze report covered calls for an independent investigation into the deaths .

What happened in Minna?

The 37 deceased were among people detained during operations targeting suspected illegal mining around Minna earlier this week. The precise cause of the deaths has not yet been established publicly.

The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, while accounts from a surviving detainee reported by the Associated Press described overcrowding and a struggle to breathe inside the detention facility. Those accounts have not yet been established as the official cause of death, and authorities have opened investigations.

Protests followed the deaths. Reuters reported that security forces used tear gas and live ammunition as clashes developed, while some demonstrators attempted to damage or set fire to public property. The Associated Press also reported the use of tear gas during the protests.

Governor Bago said the curfew was necessary after vandalism and destruction were reported in the state capital. Nigerian outlets including Channels Television and the International Centre for Investigative Reporting reported that the restriction began after Friday prayers and would remain in force until further notice.

Investigation and suspension

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered a full investigation into the deaths. The Niger State NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.

Reuters and AP reported that federal officials have promised a transparent investigation. Niger State has also announced its own inquiry into what happened.

There are important factual questions still unresolved, including the medical cause of the deaths and the conditions in which the detainees were held. FlyingEze is therefore treating claims about responsibility as allegations until investigators establish the facts.

What the curfew means for residents

People in Minna have been told to remain indoors and suspend unnecessary movement. Businesses and commercial activity are affected by the restriction, while security personnel have been deployed to enforce the order.

Because the curfew is in force until further notice, residents should rely on fresh directives from the Niger State Government and security agencies before making journeys within the state capital.

What happens next?

The immediate focus is on restoring calm while several investigations examine the deaths. Authorities will also face questions over detention conditions, the conduct of officers involved in the operation and the circumstances surrounding the protest response.

The reported death toll has varied in early accounts, with some initial reports referring to 30 or 33 deaths. More recent statements and reporting from AP, Reuters and Nigerian media cite 37 deaths. FlyingEze will continue to distinguish confirmed findings from preliminary accounts as the investigations progress.