A roadside engine oil seller has been seriously injured after he was shot during a police operation to disperse protesters in Minna, Niger State, according to local media reports.

The man, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dada, was reportedly standing outside his stall at Tunga Market when he was struck by a bullet.

His brother, Yakubu Dada Mohammed, told Aminiya that Ibrahim was not taking part in the protest.

“He was not among those causing trouble or protesting. He was standing in front of his shop selling engine oil when one of the police officers fired a bullet that struck his head and badly injured his face,” he said.

Ibrahim is being treated at Minna General Hospital, where he was reported to be in critical condition.

The shooting happened as security personnel were dispersing protesters demonstrating over the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Reports say 65 miners were arrested on 15 and 16 September, with 37 later reported dead while in security custody.

Protests that began on Thursday continued into Friday, with security forces reportedly using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

The circumstances surrounding Ibrahim’s shooting have not been independently established.

Police spokesperson in Niger State, SP Wasiu Abiodun, called for calm and said an investigation would be conducted into the incident.

Related video