Tinubu Orders Manhunt as Deadly Bandit Attack Claims Over 40 Lives in Niger State

President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria’s top security officials to immediately track and arrest those responsible for a deadly assault on communities in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead and several others abducted.

In a statement released on Sunday and personally signed by the President, Tinubu said he had directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to ensure the attackers behind the Kasuwan Daji incident are captured and prosecuted.

The President described the attackers as criminals who have challenged the nation’s resolve, adding that anyone who supports or shelters them would also be brought to justice. He further ordered the immediate rescue of all kidnapped victims and called for stronger security operations around vulnerable settlements, especially those located near forested areas.

Tinubu also expressed sympathy with the affected communities, urging Nigerians to remain united in the face of the violence and offering prayers for those who lost their lives.

The directive followed coordinated attacks on Saturday in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State. According to the Niger State Police Command, the assailants reportedly emerged from the National Park forest in Kabe District before moving into Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village.

Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack began at about 4:30 p.m. and lasted several hours, during which the attackers killed many residents, set the local market ablaze, looted shops and made away with food supplies. He noted that the remoteness of the area limited the initial response, but security operatives have since been deployed and efforts are ongoing to rescue those abducted.

While police confirmed that over 30 people were killed, community sources insist the toll is higher. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, through its Director of Communications, Rev. Fr Stephen Kabirat, reported that at least 40 persons lost their lives in the raid.