Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna.
The governor took the action after unrest over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
The curfew began immediately after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers. It will remain in place until further notice.
Residents must stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement. Security agencies will enforce the order across the state capital.
The unrest followed a protest on Thursday over the deaths of the detainees.
The suspected miners were arrested during operations against illegal mining in Niger State.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, held the suspects in custody before their deaths.
The incident has now prompted action from the Federal Government.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered a full investigation into the deaths.
He also directed the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to ensure a transparent inquiry.
The minister wants the investigation to establish what happened to the detainees.
He also wants the inquiry to determine whether any officer broke the law or professional rules.
Following the minister’s directive, the NSCDC ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside.
The commandant must report to the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.
He will also appear before the panel investigating the deaths.
Senior officers from Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation will join the panel.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC has sent a new commandant to take charge of its Niger State Command.
The cause of the deaths remains under investigation.
The NSCDC earlier said the detainees died after a suspected disease outbreak.
The Corps also said it moved the bodies to a hospital for medical examination.
However, some reports have raised concerns about the conditions at the detention facility.
These reports include claims of overcrowding and poor ventilation.
Authorities have not yet released a final finding on the cause of death.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Mohammed Idris has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
He also extended the government’s condolences to the Niger State Government and traditional leaders.
Idris said the government has a duty to protect the lives, dignity and rights of Nigerians.
He called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
For now, authorities have urged Minna residents to remain calm.
They have also asked residents to obey the curfew and follow security instructions.
Security agencies will continue efforts to restore order while the investigation continues.
