President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate manhunt for the terrorists responsible for the deadly attacks on communities in Niger State that left more than 40 people killed and several others abducted.
In a statement personally signed by him on Sunday, the President said he had directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to track down those behind the attack on Kasuwan Daji and ensure they are brought to justice.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” Tinubu said.
“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. In addition, those who aid, abet or enable them will also be brought to justice,” he added.
The President also ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and directed security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forests.
“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 and deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim peace for these attacked communities,” Tinubu said, while praying for the repose of the souls of the victims.
The directive followed coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers reportedly emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before storming Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village via Kabe.
Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack began at about 4:30 pm and lasted several hours.
“At about 4:30 pm on Saturday, suspected bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji, killed over 30 persons, burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items,” Abiodun said.
He added that the attackers operated with little resistance due to the remoteness of the area, noting that security forces were later deployed to the scene.
“A joint security team has visited the area, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims. Further developments will be communicated,” he said.
While police sources put the death toll at over 30, residents and community leaders said the number of casualties was significantly higher.
The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, said no fewer than 40 people were killed during the raid.
“The terrorists have killed over 40 persons and taken some into captivity,” Kabirat said.
He disclosed that a parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the attackers visited the Mission House days earlier, adding that religious items were destroyed, two motorcycles stolen, and cash worth over N200,000 carted away.
Kabirat further confirmed that women and children were among those abducted.
A community source in Agwara Local Government Area, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attacks extended beyond Kasuwan Daji.
“The terrorists attacked communities in Agwara and Borgu, killing no fewer than 42 persons and abducting an unconfirmed number of people, including children,” the source said.
The source added that 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while five others were killed in Kaima village, noting that fear has forced many residents to flee to neighbouring communities and across the river for safety.
“This is a serious crisis. People are living in fear, and many communities are now deserted. The government and security agencies should urgently come to our aid,” the source said.
The area has experienced repeated attacks in recent months. In November 2025, terrorists raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, abducting 315 pupils, students, and teachers, who were later released after about one month following federal government intervention.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, condemned the attacks, describing them as callous, senseless, and a crime against humanity.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, Abiodun expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the people of the state.
“I commiserate with the government and people of Niger State over the dastardly attacks by terrorists that left 42 people dead and many others abducted,” he said.
“The cowardly onslaught on innocent citizens going about their lawful business represents a stain on our nation’s conscience. Such brutality must never be allowed to happen again.”
He urged security agencies to deploy all available resources to track down and prosecute the perpetrators, stressing that the attackers must be“completely crushed” to prevent further bloodshed.
