Tinubu Orders Urgent Security Action as Niger Attacks Kill Over 40

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an urgent security response following coordinated attacks on communities in Niger State that left scores dead, many abducted, directing Nigeria’s top security officials to pursue the attackers and rescue all captives.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, the President said he had 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 to track down those behind the Kasuwan Daji attack 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.

He added: “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.”

Tinubu further ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and directed security agencies to intensify patrols and operations around vulnerable communities, particularly settlements 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,” the President said, offering prayers for the repose of those killed.

The presidential directive followed coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State. Police said the assailants are believed to have emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before moving through Kabe to attack Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village.

Niger State Police Command spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the assault began around 4:30 pm and lasted for 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 explained that the attackers met little resistance due to the remote location of the area, adding that security forces were deployed after the attack.

“A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims. Further developments will be communicated,” Abiodun said.

Despite police figures placing 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 attacks.

“The terrorists have killed over 40 persons and taken some into captivity,” Kabirat said. “Our parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House three days ago. They destroyed some religious items, carted away two motorbikes and cash worth over two hundred thousand naira.”

Kabirat added that women and children were among those abducted.

A community source in Agwara Local Government Area, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the violence spread 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.

According to the source, 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while another five were killed in Kaima village. The attacks, the source said, have continued for more than a week with little resistance, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring villages and across the river to seek safety.