President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security chiefs to launch a full-scale manhunt for terrorists responsible for deadly attacks on communities in Niger State that left at least 42 villagers dead, describing the incident as a direct test of the nation’s resolve.
Reacting on Sunday to the weekend raids on communities in Borgu and Agwara local government areas, the president said the attackers must face the full weight of the law for their criminal actions. He issued firm instructions to 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 track down and apprehend the perpetrators, while also ensuring the immediate rescue of abducted victims.
In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu declared that neither the identity nor the motive of the attackers would shield them from justice, stressing that anyone who aided or enabled the crimes would also be held accountable.
“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. “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down.”
The attacks, which reportedly lasted for hours on Saturday night, saw gunmen riding on motorcycles invade several villages, killing residents, burning houses and markets, and carting away foodstuffs and valuables. Security sources said a significant number of women and children were abducted during the raids.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed that more than 30 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji, near Papiri village in Agwara Local Government Area, while additional fatalities were recorded in other affected communities. According to the police, the attackers emerged from forest areas bordering the communities and struck around 9pm, before fleeing with their captives.
President Tinubu condemned the attack on Kasuwan Daji and expressed deep sympathy with the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of Niger State. He assured residents that security operations would be intensified around vulnerable communities, particularly those close to forest corridors known to serve as hideouts for criminal groups.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago described the attacks as “cruel and nefarious”, saying it was disturbing to begin the year with such violence. He said his administration was working closely with federal authorities and security agencies to restore peace and prevent further attacks, while urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.
Condemnation of the killings also came from governors across the country. Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described the massacre and abductions as callous and a crime against humanity, urging security agencies to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and called for renewed resolve to protect innocent citizens.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum likewise deplored the attack, describing it as a grave threat to peace and livelihoods. In a statement issued by its chairman, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, the forum called for intensified security action and prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, as well as the safe return of those abducted.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Senator representing Niger East, Mohammed Sani Musa, urged the president to declare an all-out war on terrorism, warning that repeated attacks on innocent communities underscored the urgency of decisive national action.
As security agencies moved to respond, the Nigerian Army confirmed fresh operational successes against bandits in neighbouring Kogi State, where troops neutralised several suspects, recovered weapons and arrested a logistics supplier linked to criminal groups.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric, stressing that national cohesion was essential to defeating terrorism and restoring peace to affected communities.
“These times demand our humanity,” the president said. “We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them and reclaim peace and security for our communities.”
