37 Detainees Die in NSCDC Custody in Niger State

The deaths of at least 37 detainees, many reportedly teenage artisanal gold miners, remain one of Nigeria’s major stories today. The detainees had been arrested during a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operation against illegal mining in Niger State.

Survivors said an unidentified substance was allegedly sprayed inside an overcrowded cell while the doors remained locked. They described breathing difficulties, disorientation and a pepper-like smell before detainees began collapsing. The accounts have not been independently verified, and the exact cause of the deaths remains subject to investigation.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation, while some senior NSCDC officials were suspended pending the outcome. Protests following the deaths resulted in at least one death, prompting authorities to impose a 24-hour curfew in Minna.

Niger State authorities have also established an investigation into the deaths.

Hundreds Remain in Captivity After Niger State Mass Kidnapping

Residents of communities in Borgu district, Niger State, have protested over the continued captivity of hundreds of people abducted during a mass kidnapping on August 21.

According to reports, approximately 600 people were initially abducted, while community representatives have subsequently estimated that the number could be close to 700. The alleged victims include women, children and elderly people.

Protesters gathered at the New Bussa local government headquarters demanding stronger government action. President Tinubu ordered a rescue operation following the attacks, but the victims had not been recovered as of September 22.

Niger State authorities have said security agencies have been mobilised and that efforts to rescue the victims are continuing. The higher estimate of nearly 700 captives has not been independently verified.

Fuel Prices Rise Again as Cost-of-Living Pressure Intensifies

Nigeria is facing renewed pressure from rising petrol and diesel prices as higher international crude oil prices feed into the domestic market.

Petrol prices have reportedly reached approximately ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, while some filling stations in northern Nigeria are charging as much as ₦1,500 per litre. Diesel prices have risen above ₦2,000 per litre.

The increases have occurred despite the Dangote refinery operating at its reported capacity of about 700,000 barrels per day. Higher international oil prices associated with tensions in the Middle East have contributed to the latest pressure.

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate eased to 15.39% in August, but higher transport and energy costs could place renewed pressure on household budgets.

Tinubu Extends European Working Vacation

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, according to reports citing the Presidency.

Tinubu travelled out of Nigeria on August 30 and was originally expected to return earlier. His continued absence has generated political debate, particularly because the United Nations General Assembly is currently taking place in New York.

The Presidency has maintained that the President’s trip is a working vacation, while Nigerian political figures and commentators have offered differing views about his decision not to attend the UN General Assembly personally.

Nigerian Naira Trades Around ₦1,330 Per Dollar Officially

The naira recorded a modest improvement in the official foreign-exchange market on Monday.

According to reported Central Bank of Nigeria data, the naira closed at ₦1,329.80 to the US dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market on September 21, compared with ₦1,331.20 during the previous session.

The parallel market was reported at approximately ₦1,389 per dollar, although rates can vary according to location, dealer and transaction size.

Nigerian Stock Market Crosses 250,000 Points

Nigeria’s equities market continued its strong recent performance, with the NGX All-Share Index closing above 250,000 points for the first time on Monday.

The index settled at 250,156.80 points, gaining 0.14% and extending its advance to eight consecutive trading sessions. Market capitalisation increased by approximately ₦228 billion to ₦162.39 trillion, while the year-to-date return reached 60.76%.

Financial services stocks accounted for nearly 73% of traded volume during the session.

Current-Account Surplus Reaches $7.54 Billion

Nigeria recorded a $7.54 billion current-account surplus in the second quarter, according to preliminary Central Bank data.

The figure represented a substantial increase from the $4.49 billion surplus recorded during the first quarter. The second-quarter goods surplus was reported at $10.12 billion, wh