President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive and coordinated security operation to identify, pursue, and prosecute the perpetrators responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which resulted in the loss of over 30 lives.
The directive followed a violent assault carried out on Saturday at the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, where armed attackers, commonly described as bandits, targeted civilians. The incident led to the killing of at least 30 persons, including women, while several others reportedly women and children were abducted. The assailants also looted food items and valuables worth millions of naira before setting the market ablaze.
Preliminary security assessments indicate that the attackers emerged from forested areas connected to the Kainji Lake National Park and operated for an extended period before security forces effectively intervened.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 4, and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families as well as the Government and people of Niger State.
The President emphasized that the perpetrators, along with all individuals who aided, abetted, or provided support for the attack, would be held fully accountable under the law.
“These criminals have directly challenged the authority and resolve of the Nigerian state,” the President stated. “They must be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. No individual or group involved in these acts will be allowed to evade the consequences of their actions.”
To ensure swift and decisive action, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify joint security operations, with a clear mandate to rescue all abducted persons and restore stability to the affected communities.
The President further assured residents of Niger State that security deployments would be strengthened in vulnerable areas, particularly communities bordering forests that have historically served as hideouts for criminal elements. He also called for national unity, cautioning against divisive rhetoric that could undermine collective security efforts.
“These are times that require national cohesion and shared responsibility,” President Tinubu said. “Only through unity and collective resolve can we defeat these criminal elements, deny them sanctuary, and restore peace to our communities.”
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, verified the number of casualties and disclosed that joint security teams had visited the scene, with rescue and investigation efforts ongoing.
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President Tinubu’s directive underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including banditry and insurgency, and to ensuring the protection of lives and property across the country.