President Bola Tinubu has ordered the military, police and the State Security Service to launch a manhunt for the terrorists behind the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State, where at least 30 people were killed.
The President also directed security agencies to immediately rescue all those abducted during the attack, warning that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
In a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the assault as unacceptable and vowed that those responsible would face justice.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President said.
He added, “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice.”
Gunmen on Saturday attacked Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least 30 villagers, including women, abducting many others and setting the market on fire.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed that the attackers were suspected bandits who came from the forest around Kabe District.
The police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the assailants invaded the market, burnt shops, looted food items and fled with several abducted victims.
In his reaction, Tinubu linked the attack to terrorists fleeing pressure in the North-West following recent foreign military strikes.
According to the Presidency, the attackers were believed to be part of armed groups displaced from Sokoto and Zamfara states after airstrikes carried out on Christmas Eve.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to the families of those killed, as well as the government and people of Niger State, assuring them that security agencies had been directed to step up operations in vulnerable communities.
The President urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid statements that could worsen the country’s security challenges.
“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, and reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities.”
Residents of the area said armed men had been seen moving through nearby communities days before the attack, raising concerns that were not acted upon in time.
The market attack happened close to Papiri community, where more than 300 pupils and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in November 2025.
Nigeria has continued to battle attacks by non-state armed groups, with recent data showing a sharp rise in killings linked to terrorism across the country.
President Tinubu has proposed a N5.41tn security allocation in the 2026 budget to boost military capacity, improve joint security operations and support efforts aimed at curbing violent extremism nationwide.
