Niger State attack
Nigeria is once again confronting the grim reality of rural insecurity following a deadly Niger State attack on Kasuwan-Daji village in Borgu Local Government Area, an assault that left dozens of civilians dead and several others abducted. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded with a firm directive to Nigeria’s security leadership, ordering an immediate and coordinated hunt for those responsible.
The president’s intervention came amid mounting public outrage and fear after armed assailants stormed the remote community late Saturday night, killing residents, burning homes and markets, and carting away villagers, including women and children.
The Niger State Attack That Shook Borgu
The Niger State attack occurred in Kasuwan-Daji, a village located near the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park, a vast area often exploited by armed groups as a hideout due to its difficult terrain and limited security presence.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived in large numbers, opening fire indiscriminately on residents, torching houses, and setting the local market ablaze. Survivors said the raid lasted several hours, during which villagers fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Preliminary reports suggest that at least 42 people may have been killed, though officials caution that the exact number is still being verified as security teams and emergency responders gain access to affected areas.
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Tinubu Orders Immediate Security Hunt
In a statement released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu condemned the Niger State attack in the strongest terms, describing it as an “affront to the nation” and a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The president 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 (DSS) to immediately deploy all available resources to track down the attackers.
“These criminals must be hunted down and brought to justice,” Tinubu declared. “They have tested the resolve of our nation, and they will face the full weight of the law.”
Rescue of Abducted Victims Ordered
Beyond the security hunt, Tinubu placed urgent emphasis on rescuing those abducted during the Niger State attack. He ordered security agencies to prioritise intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating the victims and securing their safe return.
The president warned that anyone found aiding or sheltering the attackers — whether through logistics, information, or concealment — would be treated as a criminal accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.
This directive reflects growing concern within government circles about community-level collaboration that often enables armed groups to operate undetected in rural areas.
Security Gaps and Community Vulnerability
The Niger State attack has reignited criticism over Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in isolated communities. Residents of Kasuwan-Daji told reporters that no security personnel were present during the assault, and that help arrived hours after the attackers had fled.
Security analysts note that Borgu and surrounding areas have long been vulnerable due to their proximity to forest corridors linking Niger, Zamfara, and parts of Kebbi State. These corridors have increasingly become operational zones for armed gangs and extremist elements.
Some experts suggest the attack may be linked to criminal groups fleeing pressure from recent U.S.-supported counter-terrorism airstrikes in north-western Nigeria, forcing militants to shift operations into new territories such as Niger State.
Condolences and Call for National Unity
President Tinubu extended condolences to the families of those killed in the Niger State attack, as well as to the government and people of Niger State. He urged Nigerians to resist fear and division, stressing that unity remains critical in confronting insecurity.
“These are times that demand our collective resolve,” the president said. “We must stand together as one people, deny these criminals sanctuary, and reclaim peace for our communities.”
Broader National Reactions
The Niger State attack has drawn condemnation from political leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups across the country. Niger State officials described the assault as “barbaric,” while lawmakers renewed calls for increased funding and intelligence coordination to protect rural communities.
Human rights advocates also urged the government to ensure that military operations respect civilian safety while dismantling criminal networks.
What Happens Next
Following Tinubu’s directive, security agencies are expected to intensify operations across Borgu, Agwara, and surrounding local government areas. This includes increased patrols, aerial surveillance, and intelligence-led raids on suspected hideouts.
For residents of Kasuwan-Daji and neighbouring communities, the success of these operations will determine whether confidence in government protection can be restored after yet another devastating Niger State attack.
Final Word
The president’s response to the Niger State attack sends a strong signal of resolve. However, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether this directive translates into swift arrests, successful rescues, and sustained security presence in vulnerable regions.
For communities living on the margins of Nigeria’s security grid, justice and protection cannot remain promises — they must become realities.
