President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated a full-scale activation of Nigeria's security apparatus in response to a deadly terrorist assault in Niger State that left at least 30 people dead and many others abducted.
Coordinated Security Response Ordered
President Tinubu issued directives on Sunday, January 4, 2026, commanding the military, police, and intelligence services to track down and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the attack on Kasuwan Daji community. He specifically ordered the immediate rescue of all kidnapped persons.
The President's orders were conveyed to the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). They are to execute a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation aimed at dismantling the terror network behind the assault.
Tinubu condemned the violence as a "barbaric act" that strikes at the heart of national security and communal peace, vowing that such attacks on innocent civilians will not be tolerated.
Details of the Niger State Assault
Armed bandits attacked communities within the Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State. The assailants, suspected to be terrorists fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following a United States air strike on Christmas Eve, carried out the major onslaught on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
According to police and local sources, the bandits emerged from the forest a week prior, causing havoc before returning for the large-scale attack. They targeted Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, Kaima Village, and other areas.
The attack resulted in the confirmed deaths of over 30 individuals, with many residents, including pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, taken captive. The bandits also destroyed the local market, looted shops, and stole food supplies.
Reverend Father Stephen Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, confirmed the casualties, stating that over 40 people were killed and others taken. He recounted that the Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the bandits invaded the Mission House, destroying religious items and stealing property.
Widespread Condemnation and Calls for Justice
The brutal attacks have drawn condemnation from across the nation. Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, expressed deep concern over the disturbing start to the year, noting that the victims were both Muslims and Christians from different communities. He assured residents that his administration is working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to restore peace and that a joint security team is actively tracking the terrorists.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, issued a statement expressing heartfelt condolences and calling for the perpetrators to be swiftly tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the attacks as "heinous" and "brazen," offering condolences to the bereaved families and urging authorities to secure the safe release of the abducted, especially the children.
Amnesty International criticized the government's failure to protect lives, stating in a post on X that the attacks are "an indication of the utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives." The organization highlighted the rising death toll in northern Nigeria since 2020 as evidence of this failure.
President Tinubu, in his statement, assured the government and people of Niger State that the Federal Government stands firmly with them. He vowed, "These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions."
Security agencies have been further directed to intensify patrols and surveillance around vulnerable communities, particularly those near forest belts and remote areas often used as hideouts by criminal elements.
