President Bola Tinubu has directed top security authorities to pursue and arrest those responsible for the deadly assault on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State and to secure the immediate release of all abducted persons.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the killing of villagers and the abduction of women and children during the attack.
The President instructed 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 assailants are tracked and brought before the law without delay.
The attack was linked to terrorists believed to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states after the United States carried out an air strike on Christmas Eve.
President Tinubu condemned the assault on Kasuwan Daji and described the abduction of women and children as unacceptable, while extending condolences to the bereaved families as well as the government and people of Niger State.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” the President said.
He assured residents of the state that security agencies have been ordered to step up operations around at-risk communities, especially areas close to forests known to shelter criminal groups.
The President also appealed to Nigerians to remain united at this time and warned against statements capable of weakening national security or social cohesion.
“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” Tinubu said.
