President Bola Tinubu has issued a direct order to Nigeria's top security officials to immediately find and arrest the terrorists responsible for a brutal massacre at Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State.
Details of the Deadly Attack
The horrific incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in the Borgu Local Government Area. Armed terrorists stormed the market, killing at least 30 people in a ruthless assault. The attackers also abducted an unspecified number of residents, with reports indicating women and children were among those taken, before setting the market on fire.
Presidential Directive and Condemnation
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu condemned the attack in the strongest terms. He described the killings and abductions as a grave assault on innocent Nigerians and directed a full-scale security response.
The President instructed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS to ensure the perpetrators are hunted down and swiftly brought to justice. He also mandated all relevant agencies to intensify efforts for the immediate rescue of the abducted victims.
"These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions," President Tinubu declared. "No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down." He warned that not only the attackers but also their accomplices would be caught.
Security Context and Broader Measures
The statement suggested the attackers were suspected terrorists fleeing military pressure from operations in the North-West, following reported air strikes around Christmas Eve. In response, President Tinubu directed security agencies to scale up operations around vulnerable communities, especially those near forests used as criminal hideouts.
The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, assuring them of the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to restoring peace. He urged national unity and warned against divisive rhetoric, calling on Nigerians to stand together to defeat the threat.
"These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison," he said. "United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary."
This latest order comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of Niger State, as authorities work to prevent further attacks and secure the safe return of those abducted.
