President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated manhunt for the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State, directing Nigeria’s top security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue all abducted victims without delay.
The directive, issued on Sunday, mandates 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 intensify operations aimed at apprehending those behind the assault. The attack, which left several villagers dead and women and children abducted, is believed to have been carried out by terrorists fleeing Sokoto and Zamfara states following a United States air strike on Christmas Eve.
The president strongly condemned the killings and abductions, describing the incident as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s security and national resolve. He expressed deep sympathy with the affected families and extended condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the tragic loss of lives.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President said. “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.”
Beyond the immediate pursuit of the attackers, President Tinubu assured residents of Niger State that security agencies have been instructed to scale up patrols and intelligence-led operations around vulnerable communities, particularly areas close to forests that have long served as hideouts for criminal elements. He stressed that the protection of lives and the restoration of peace remain top priorities for his administration.
The President also called on Nigerians to remain calm, united and resolute in the face of the tragedy, warning against divisive rhetoric that could weaken national cohesion at a critical moment. According to him, collective resolve and cooperation with security agencies are essential to defeating terrorism and restoring stability to affected regions.
“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison,” Tinubu said. “United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities.”
