President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to track down the terrorists responsible for the recent attack on Kasuwan Daji in Niger State and to urgently rescue all abducted victims.
The President issued the directive on Sunday, tasking the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS Director-General to intensify operations aimed at apprehending the attackers and bringing them to justice.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” President Tinubu said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Kasuwan Daji assault, which took place on Saturday in the Demo community of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, left over 30 villagers dead.
The attackers reportedly abducted women and children and looted foodstuffs and valuables before setting the market ablaze. Local sources said the gunmen operated from the National Park in Borgu, striking in broad daylight and overwhelming the community without resistance.
The Kasuwan Daji attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents in Niger State. In July 2025, bandits kidnapped 38 villagers from Banga village, despite a ransom payment exceeding ₦50 million. A few months later, in November, over 300 students and teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Gunmen reportedly stormed the school dormitories in the early hours of the morning, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers over a three-hour period. Fifty pupils escaped on the first day, and the Federal Government later secured the release of 100 students. By December 21, 2025, authorities reported that all remaining abductees, totalling 230, had been freed.
President Tinubu condemned the Kasuwan Daji attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.
He also assured that security agencies had been mandated to strengthen operations around vulnerable communities, particularly in areas near forests that often serve as hideouts for criminal elements.
“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” the President added.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack, with investigations ongoing. Security operatives have reportedly been deployed to the surrounding forests in a bid to locate the abducted victims and prevent further incidents.
