Tinubu directs security chiefs to track down Niger attackers, rescue abducted victims

President Bola Tinubu has ordered top security officials to intensify efforts to identify, pursue, and arrest those responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State.

The directive, issued to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), also includes an urgent mandate to rescue all abducted persons.

President Tinubu instructed the agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought 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,” the President declared in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

The President’s directive followed the killing of villagers in Niger State by terrorists believed to be fleeing Sokoto and Zamfara states after the United States carried out an air strike on Christmas Eve.

Tinubu condemned the assault on the Kasuwan Daji community, which included the abduction of women and children, and expressed sympathy with the affected families as well as the government and people of Niger State.

He assured residents that security forces had been instructed to strengthen operations in vulnerable areas, particularly communities located near forests commonly used as hideouts by criminal groups.

Calling for national unity, the President urged Nigerians to stand together and warned against divisive statements that could threaten national cohesion during the current security challenges.

“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,” he added.

More than 30 people were killed during the attack on Kasuwan-Daji market in the Demo community of Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, also resulted in the abduction of several individuals.

Residents said the attackers looted food items and valuables worth millions of naira before setting the market on fire. The terrorists reportedly invaded the community on Saturday evening and operated until the early hours of Sunday.

A resident disclosed that about 42 people were tied up and killed, with the attackers encountering no resistance. The assailants were said to have emerged from the National Park in Borgu LGA and carried out the attack in broad daylight.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday.