Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS To Hunt Down Terrorists Behind Niger State Attack

Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS To Hunt Down Terrorists Behind Niger State Attack

President Bola Tinubu has issued a decisive directive to Nigeria’s security architecture following a deadly terrorist assault on the Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State.

The attack, which claimed the lives of over 30 people and led to the abduction of numerous villagers, has drawn strong condemnation from the Presidency and triggered urgent orders for military and security agencies to act.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu instructed 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 (DSS) to track down and apprehend the perpetrators. He emphasized that the terrorists must face the full consequences of their actions, declaring that “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.”

The President also ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims, stressing the urgency of restoring peace and security to the affected communities. 

The attack, which occurred in the Demo community of Borgu Local Government Area, saw gunmen invade the market, kill dozens of people, abduct women and children, cart away foodstuffs and valuables worth millions of naira, and set the market ablaze.

Witnesses reported that the terrorists tied and executed about 42 individuals during the raid, which lasted from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday.

President Tinubu linked the assault to terrorists suspected of fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states after a United States air strike on Christmas Eve. He condemned the abduction of women and children and extended condolences to the families of victims, as well as to the government and people of Niger State. He assured that security agencies would intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those near forests that have served as hideouts for criminal groups.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack, which adds to a growing list of violent incidents in the region. In July 2025, bandits killed 38 kidnapped villagers from Banga despite a ransom payment of over ₦50 million.

In November 2025, over 300 pupils and teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. Although many of those abducted were eventually freed, the incident underscored the scale of insecurity in Niger State.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united and resolute in the face of these tragedies, cautioning against divisive rhetoric that could undermine national cohesion. He called for collective humanity and solidarity, stating that “united, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities.”

The Niger State attack highlights the persistent challenges of terrorism and banditry in northern Nigeria, and the President’s directive signals a renewed push to confront these threats head-on.