Tinubu launches manhunt for Niger market terrorist

President Bola Tinubu has directed the military, police and the State Security Service to hunt down those responsible for the attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State, where at least 30 villagers were killed and scores of women and children abducted.

The President also directed security agencies to urgently rescue all kidnapped victims, warning that the terrorists “must face the full consequences of their criminal actions.”

In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu linked Saturday’s attack to terrorists fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following the United States airstrike on Christmas Eve.

Armed bandits killed 30 persons, including women, during the attack on Kasuwan Daji market in the Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

The gunmen also kidnapped many people and set the market ablaze.

Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items.

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down,” the President declared.

He added, “They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice.”

Tinubu sent his condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Niger State, assuring that security agencies have been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities.

The President’s directive comes barely two weeks after the United States military conducted airstrikes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State between 11:45 p.m. on December 25 and 12:30 a.m. on December 26, targeting terrorist bases hosting jihadist affiliates in the Bauni axis.

According to the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the operation targeted two prominent Islamic State sites in the Bauni forest in Tangaza, with 16 munitions fired by MQ-9 Reaper drones at fighters attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from the Sahel.

The Lakurawa group, which operates in remote parts of Sokoto State, including Tangaza, Gudu, Illela, Binji, and Silame local governments, as well as in northwest Zamfara and Kebbi states, has been designated a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government.

Read also:Bandits kill 30, abduct many in Niger market attack

Security analysts argue that the displacement of terrorists from their Sokoto and Zamfara strongholds following the US strikes has forced them to seek new operational bases in neighbouring Niger State.

Residents of Kasuwan Daji said they had noticed the presence of armed men moving through nearby communities for nearly a week before Saturday’s assault.

The attack occurred close to the Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in November 2025.

The President urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting the security challenges, warning against “divisive rhetoric that could undermine national hqwwàqsecurity and cohesion during this challenging period.”

“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as hpeople 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,” Tinubu said.

In 2025, Nigeria was ranked on the Global Terrorism Index as the sixth most terrorised country globally, jumping two points from its previous ranking due to increased insurgency.

At least 2,266 people were killed by non-state armed groups in the first half of 2025, a significant rise compared to around 1,083 fatalities during the same period in 2024, and already surpassing the 2,194 recorded over the whole of 2024.

President Tinubu proposed a N5.41 trillion security allocation in the 2026 budget, the largest single sectoral provision, to fund new equipment for the military, strengthen joint operations among security agencies, and support community-based peacebuilding efforts aimed at containing violent extremism.