Armed bandits kill villagers and abduct women and children in Nigeria prompting presidential directive

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on the military, police, and State Security Service to immediately pursue those responsible for the devastating attack on Kasuwan Daji in Niger State.

At least 30 villagers were killed and dozens of women and children were kidnapped in the assault that took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

The President emphasized that all kidnapped victims must be rescued urgently and warned that the perpetrators “must face the full consequences of their criminal actions.”

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Attack linked to fleeing terrorists from Sokoto and Zamfara

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Kasuwan Daji attack is tied to terrorists who fled Sokoto and Zamfara states following U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Eve.

The assailants targeted Kasuwan Daji market in the Demo community of Borgu Local Government Area, killing civilians, burning the market, looting shops, and abducting many people.

Niger State Police confirmed that the attackers came from the National Park forest near Kabe District, taking food supplies and destroying property in their path.

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Tinubu condemns the violence and urges justice

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people,” President Tinubu said. “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. Those who aid, abet, or enable them will be caught and brought to justice.”

He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and reassured the people of Niger State that security forces have been instructed to strengthen operations in vulnerable communities.

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The U.S. airstrikes and their fallout

The President’s directive comes shortly after U.S. military airstrikes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State between December 25 and 26.

The operation targeted two key Islamic State sites in the Bauni forest, using MQ-9 Reaper drones to prevent fighters from infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel.

Security analysts say the strikes displaced terrorists from their strongholds, pushing them to establish new bases in neighbouring Niger State, which may explain the recent wave of attacks.

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Residents noticed warning signs

Local residents reported seeing armed men moving through nearby communities for almost a week before the assault on Kasuwan Daji.

The attack occurred near Papiri community, where over 300 schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in November 2025.

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Call for national unity against terrorism

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united, warning against divisive rhetoric that could weaken national security.

“These times demand our humanity,” he said. “We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them and reclaim peace for our communities.”

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Rising insecurity in Nigeria

Nigeria’s security situation has worsened, with the country ranked sixth on the Global Terrorism Index in 2025, two places higher than the previous year.

In the first half of 2025 alone, at least 2,266 people were killed by non-state armed groups, almost double the fatalities in the same period in 2024.

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Increased budget and security plans

In response to the rising insecurity, President Tinubu proposed a N5.41 trillion allocation for security in the 2026 budget — the largest ever for a single sector.

The funds are earmarked for new military equipment, stronger coordination among security agencies, and community-based peacebuilding initiatives to counter violent extremism.

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What’s next?

Security agencies are now tasked with tracking down the Kasuwan Daji attackers and rescuing the kidnapped villagers.

As operations intensify across vulnerable communities, the government is also calling for unity and vigilance from citizens, emphasizing that coordinated action is essential to restoring peace and stability in affected areas.

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