President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered top security officials in the country to track down and arrest the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State. The President also directed security agencies to rescue all those abducted during the attack and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.
The directive was issued to 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 (DSS). The order was made public in a statement released on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
The attack occurred at a village market in Kabe District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Reports from the area said heavily armed terrorists stormed the market, killing nearly 40 people, including women and traders. Several others were also kidnapped during the attack, which lasted for hours.
Kasuwan Daji market serves many rural communities in Borgu and surrounding areas. It is usually busy with farmers, traders, and buyers, especially on market days. The attack has therefore sent shockwaves across Niger State and beyond, as families mourn loved ones and communities struggle to recover from the loss.
In his statement, President Tinubu described the attack as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s peace and security. He said the government would not tolerate such acts of violence and promised that those responsible would be punished.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people,” the President said. “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.”
The President also warned that anyone who supports or assists the attackers in any way would be treated as part of the crime. “They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” he added.
President Tinubu further directed security agencies to act quickly to rescue those kidnapped during the attack. Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security concern in Niger State and other parts of the country, with victims often held in forests for weeks or months.
The Niger State attack is one of several violent incidents recorded in recent months, especially in the North-Central and North-West regions. Bandits and terrorist groups have continued to target rural communities, markets, highways, and farmlands, killing residents and abducting others for ransom.
Borgu Local Government Area, where the attack took place, shares borders with forested areas and the Kainji Lake National Park. Security experts say such areas are often used as hideouts by armed groups because of the difficult terrain and limited security presence.
Residents of the area have long complained about repeated attacks and have called on the government to deploy more security forces to protect lives and property. Community leaders say farmers and traders now live in fear, with many afraid to go to markets or farms.
Following the Kasuwan Daji attack, security agencies were reported to have increased patrols in Borgu and nearby local government areas. Joint teams of soldiers, police officers, and other security personnel have also been deployed to track the attackers and prevent further violence.
The Federal Government has in recent times stepped up efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide. These efforts include military operations against bandit camps, intelligence-led raids, and cooperation between security agencies at both federal and state levels.
President Tinubu has repeatedly assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to restoring peace and security across the country. He has also stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, better equipment for security forces, and improved cooperation with local communities.
The latest directive comes amid growing public concern over rising attacks on civilians. Many Nigerians have called on the government to take tougher action against criminal groups and to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of development in rural areas.
In Niger State, the government has expressed sympathy with the victims of the Kasuwan Daji attack and promised to work with federal authorities to improve security. Although an official statement from the state government was still awaited as of Sunday, sources said emergency security meetings were being held.
Human rights groups and civil society organisations have also condemned the attack, describing it as cruel and unacceptable. They have urged the government to ensure justice for the victims and provide support for affected families.