Fatimah Otunsanya
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday ordered the military, police, and State Security Service to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack in Niger State, where terrorists killed at least 30 villagers and abducted scores of women and children.
The President also directed security agencies to urgently rescue all kidnapped victims, warning that the terrorists “must face the full consequences of their criminal actions.”
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu linked Saturday’s attack to terrorists fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following the United States airstrike on Christmas Eve.
Armed bandits killed 30 persons, including women, during the attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
The gunmen also kidnapped many people and set the market ablaze.
Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items.
“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,” the President declared.
He added, “They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice.”
Tinubu sent his condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Niger State, assuring that security agencies have been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities.
The President’s directive comes barely two weeks after the United States military conducted airstrikes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State between 11:45 p.m. on December 25 and 12:30 a.m. on December 26, targeting terrorist bases hosting jihadist affiliates in the Bauni axis.