The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across Minna following violent protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Governor Umaru Bago announced the restriction on Friday after protesters took to the streets in parts of the state capital, damaging public and private property as anger grew over the deaths.

The curfew took effect immediately after Friday's Jumu'ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice, according to the state government. Residents have been directed to remain indoors while security agencies enforce the restriction.

Protests were reported in areas including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road, with security personnel deployed across the city.

Bago said vehicles belonging to the state transport company had been vandalised, while a bank, political party offices and private businesses were also attacked during the unrest.

The protests followed the deaths of the miners after they were detained by the NSCDC during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities.

Bago has said 67 people were being held in the facility before 37 detainees died.

The exact medical cause of the deaths has not yet been established.

Some survivors have alleged that the detention facility was overcrowded and that detainees struggled to breathe, but authorities have said medical and forensic investigations are still underway. Those accounts have therefore not been established as the official cause of death.

The state government has also suspended mining activities in Niger State until further notice, while separate investigations are being conducted by state and federal authorities.

The NSCDC Niger State Commandant and other officers connected to the detention facility have been ordered to step aside while investigations continue.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC leadership to conduct what the ministry described as a full and unhindered investigation, with a new commandant ordered to take charge of the Niger State command.

President Bola Tinubu has also ordered investigators to determine whether negligence, abuse or other misconduct contributed to the deaths.

Tinubu said any official found responsible through action or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted, while insisting that people accused of illegal mining retain their rights to life and humane treatment while in government custody.

The Niger State Government has separately cancelled an APC rally scheduled for Saturday and declared three days of mourning for the deceased.

Security agencies remain deployed across Minna as authorities attempt to prevent further violence.