Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following violent protests by youths over the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Youths in the Tunga area of Minna marched towards the NSCDC office on Friday before combined security operatives dispersed them. The protesters later attacked vehicles belonging to the Niger State Transport Authority (NSTA), escalating tension. Governor Bago announced the curfew while receiving the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday, stating it would take effect after the Friday congregational prayers to restore order following the violence, which included the vandalisation of the state transport company's fleet, an attack on Sterling Bank, and destruction of property.
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