President Bola Tinubu has ordered a nationwide manhunt for the terrorists behind coordinated attacks on communities in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead and several others abducted.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, the President said 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 of the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they are brought to justice.

“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.”

The President also ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and directed security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forests.

“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison,” he said, praying for the repose of the souls of those killed.

The directive followed coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State. According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers are believed to have emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before storming Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village.

Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the attack began around 4:30 pm and lasted several hours.

“At about 4:30 pm on Saturday, suspected bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji, killed over 30 persons, burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items,” he said.

Abiodun added that the attackers initially faced little resistance due to the remoteness of the area, but security forces were later deployed.

“A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims,” he said.