Tinubu to Terrorists: ‘No Sanctuary Anywhere’ After Deadly Niger Raids

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and far-reaching manhunt for the terrorists responsible for coordinated attacks on communities in Niger State that claimed more than 40 lives and left many others abducted.

Global Mirror News gathered that the directive followed deadly assaults carried out on Saturday afternoon across Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas, with Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village among the worst-hit communities.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, President Tinubu described the attacks as a direct affront to Nigeria’s resolve and vowed that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.

The President disclosed that he had 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 to track down the perpetrators and ensure their prosecution.

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our Country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” Tinubu said.
“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. In addition, those who aid, abet or enable them will also be brought to justice.”

President Tinubu further ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and instructed Security Agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forest areas frequently exploited by criminal groups.

Calling for National unity, the President urged Nigerians to stand together against terrorism, stressing that peace must be reclaimed for the affected communities. He also prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the attacks.

The Presidential directive followed reports of coordinated raids by suspected bandits who, according to the Niger State Police Command, emerged from the National Park forest along the Kabe axis before storming Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village.

Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack began at about 4:30 pm and lasted several hours.

He confirmed that the assailants killed dozens of residents, set the local market ablaze, looted shops, and carted away food items before fleeing.

While Police sources initially put the death toll at over 30, residents and community leaders insisted the number of casualties was higher.

The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr Stephen Kabirat, said no fewer than 40 people were killed, with women and children among those abducted.

Kabirat also revealed that the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction during an earlier visit by the terrorists to the Mission House, where religious items, two motorcycles, and cash were taken.

Local sources further disclosed that the violence extended beyond Kasuwan Daji, with additional fatalities recorded in Kaima village and other nearby communities.

One community source said at least 42 people were killed across Agwara and Borgu, while an unconfirmed number of residents, including schoolchildren, were abducted.

Fear has since spread across the Area, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring villages and across nearby rivers for safety.

Several communities were reported to have been deserted following the attacks.

The region has experienced repeated terrorist assaults in recent months. In November 2025, gunmen abducted 315 pupils, students, and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri.

The victims were released after about one month following federal government intervention.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, condemned the killings, describing them as callous, senseless, and a crime against humanity.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Abiodun expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the people of the state.

“The cowardly onslaught on innocent citizens going about their lawful business represents a stain on our Nation’s conscience,” Abiodun said, urging Security Agencies to deploy all available resources to track down and decisively crush the perpetrators to prevent further bloodshed.