Manny Ita
ABUJA- President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s top security brass to apprehend the perpetrators of a fatal attack on the Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State, where at least 35 people were killed and dozens kidnapped.
The attack occurred on the evening of January 3, 2026. According to the Niger State Police Command, bandits emerged from the National Park forest to invade the community, located in the Kabe District of the state.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that the invaders arrived at approximately 4:30 p.m. and proceeded to lay siege to the area for several hours.
“On 03/01/2026 at about 9 p.m., information received revealed that at about 4:30 p.m. of the same date, suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji, located at Demo village via Kabe,” Abiodun stated. “They burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items.”
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 30 individuals lost their lives, while an unspecified number of residents—primarily women and children—were forcibly taken into the forest.
In a statement issued Sunday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu condemned the killings and the abductions. He has formally 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 (DSS) to launch an immediate rescue operation and a manhunt for the attackers.
The President linked the surge in violence to terrorists suspected to be fleeing Sokoto and Zamfara states following a United States’ air strike conducted on Christmas Eve.
“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. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice.”
The Presidency has mandated security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, specifically focusing on forest fringes used as hideouts.
While offering condolences to the government and people of Niger State, the President called for national unity, cautioning against divisive rhetoric.
“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, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” he added
