Over 30 killed, dozens abducted in Kasuwan Daji attack; security forces intensify counter-terrorism operations across North-West and North-Central Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to track down terrorists responsible for recent deadly attacks in Niger State that left scores dead and many women and children abducted. The assaults took place in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas, with the Kasuwan Daji market in Sukumbara village most heavily affected.
In a statement on Sunday, January 4, the President described the attacks as a “grave test of the nation’s resolve” and called for the swift rescue of all abducted victims.
Eyewitnesses reported that the coordinated raid occurred on Saturday, January 3, around 4:30 p.m., as armed men emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park forest along Kabe District. The assailants fired indiscriminately, burned market stalls, looted shops, and abducted residents, including schoolchildren. Initial reports cited 42 fatalities, though a joint security assessment later confirmed at least 30 deaths, with several people still missing.
The attackers also targeted a Catholic mission house and school in Sukumbara. Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Kontagora Diocese, confirmed that the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction. Property, cash, and motorcycles were stolen, and children were among those kidnapped. Many villagers have fled into the bush or are hiding in forests for safety.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago condemned the raids as “cruel and nefarious,” noting that victims included both Muslims and Christians. His Commissioner for Information, Obed Nuhu Nana, said joint security teams were actively tracking the terrorists.
President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, directed the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, and DSS Director-General to ensure the attackers are apprehended and abducted victims rescued. “These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the statement said. He also ordered increased security operations around vulnerable communities, particularly forests used as terrorist hideouts.
Security forces have intensified operations across North-West and North-Central Nigeria:
- Kano State: Troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by air units from Operation Fansan Yamma, neutralized at least 23 bandits after attacks in Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs.
- Katsina State: Airstrikes targeted bandits regrouping in Karaduwa village, destroying weapons and motorcycles.
- Kogi State: Troops killed three bandits and arrested a suspected logistics supplier, recovering AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and other criminal supplies.
- Taraba State: Operation Whirl Stroke forces intercepted an arms cache belonging to notorious criminal John Gata, recovering rifles, grenades, and ammunition, and destroyed the facility to prevent further attacks.
Military spokesmen stressed that collaboration with local communities and timely intelligence remain critical in combating terrorism.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the attacks as “heinous and deeply troubling,” calling for swift action to secure abducted residents and strengthen security in vulnerable regions. Ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the violence, stressing that addressing insecurity requires not only force but also justice, transparency, and strategic investments in schools, hospitals, and livelihoods. Ogun State Governor and Southern Governors’ Forum chairman, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the attacks as a “crime against humanity” and urged that perpetrators be “completely crushed with all resources available to the Nigerian state.”
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), led by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, expressed solidarity with Niger State, calling the attacks a “grave threat to peace and livelihoods,” and pledged collaboration with federal and security agencies to rescue victims and safeguard communities.
Residents of Kasuwan Daji recounted scenes of terror as market stalls were set ablaze and traders fled in panic. Children, teachers, and school staff were abducted, with some still missing. “The government and security agencies should come to our aid. The attackers have been terrorizing communities for about a week now. Some children from St. Mary’s Catholic School are still missing,” a villager told TMN.
The attacks have left communities traumatised, disrupted markets, and forced residents to hide in forests for safety. President Tinubu has vowed continued pressure on terrorists, directing coordinated operations across the region to track perpetrators, rescue abducted persons, and restore stability. Authorities urged residents to cooperate with security forces and provide intelligence, emphasizing national unity and vigilance as key to defeating the ongoing threat.
The Kasuwan Daji attacks highlight Nigeria’s persistent struggle with terrorism and banditry. As the government, security forces, and regional authorities mobilize, the human toll remains profound, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated security responses to protect vulnerable communities.