Tinubu Orders Manhunt as Over 40 Killed in Niger State Terror Attacks
By Enemona Samuel Endurance | The Bureau News
Nigeria News Today: President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate manhunt for the terrorists responsible for coordinated attacks on communities in Niger State that reportedly left more than 40 people dead and many others abducted.
In a statement personally signed by him on Sunday, the President said he had directed 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.
“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,” the President added.
Tinubu also ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and directed security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forested areas.
“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, while praying for the repose of the victims’ souls.
The directive followed coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers are believed to have emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before storming Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village via Kabe.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the attack began around 4:30 pm and lasted 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 noted that the attackers operated with little resistance due to the remoteness of the area, adding that a joint security team was later deployed.
“A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims. Further developments will be communicated,” he stated.
While police confirmed over 30 deaths, residents and community leaders said the casualty figure 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 raid.
“The terrorists have killed over 40 persons and taken some into captivity,” Kabirat said.
He disclosed that a parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when attackers visited the Mission House days earlier, destroying religious items and stealing two motorcycles and cash.
A community source in Agwara Local Government Area, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attacks extended 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.
The source added that 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while another five lost their lives in Kaima village.
Residents across the affected communities were said to be fleeing to neighbouring villages and across the river amid growing fear.
The area has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months. In November 2025, terrorists abducted 315 pupils, students and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri before they were released after federal government intervention.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, condemned the killings, describing them as callous, senseless and a crime against humanity.
Abiodun expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the people of the state, urging security agencies to deploy all available resources to crush the perpetrators and prevent further bloodshed.
