Tinubu Directs Security Chiefs to Hunt Terrorists Behind Niger Massacre

Tinubu Directs Security Chiefs to Hunt Terrorists Behind Niger Massacre
The assailants are suspected to be armed bandits operating from forest enclaves
Local sources said the attacks had persisted for more than a week

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an intensified manhunt for terrorists responsible for deadly attacks on several communities in Niger State, following fresh revelations of widespread killings, abductions and destruction across Agwara and Borgu local government areas.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the directive came in the aftermath of coordinated attacks on Kasuwan Daji and neighbouring villages, where more than 30 residents were killed and dozens abducted, including schoolchildren. The assailants are suspected to be armed bandits operating from forest enclaves in the area.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, President Tinubu 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 hunt down those responsible and ensure they are swiftly 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,” the President said. “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. Those who aid, abet or enable them will also be brought to justice.”

The President further ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and directed security agencies to scale up operations around vulnerable communities, especially those located near forested areas.

Tinubu Directs Security Chiefs to Hunt Terrorists Behind Niger Massacre

“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 and deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim peace for these attacked communities.”

Local sources said the attacks had persisted for more than a week, with bandits exploiting weak security presence in remote settlements. In Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, dozens were reportedly killed, while five others were confirmed dead in Kaima village. Several residents, including pupils of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, were abducted and taken across a river into forest hideouts.

Residents also said the attackers set ablaze a local market on Saturday, January 3, 2026, looted shops and carted away foodstuffs, forcing many villagers to flee their homes amid fears of further attacks.

The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Reverend Father Stephen Kabirat, confirmed the scale of the violence, stating that more than 40 people had been killed, with many others abducted. He added that the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction after bandits stormed the mission house, vandalised religious items, stole two motorcycles and made away with over ₦200,000 in cash.

“They were looking for the priest, but he managed to escape. They abducted villagers, including children,” Father Kabirat said.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command said the attack occurred around 9pm on Saturday. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said suspected bandits from the National Park Forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji at Demo Village via Kabe.

“They destroyed the market, looted shops and stole food items, killing over 30 people and abducting an unspecified number of residents,” Abiodun said, adding that joint security teams had visited the affected communities and that rescue and stabilisation operations were ongoing.

Community leaders and residents have renewed calls for urgent and sustained federal intervention, warning that without a stronger security presence, more villages could be exposed to similar attacks.