Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to track down and apprehend terrorists responsible for the attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State. The president also directed that all abducted victims be rescued without delay.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the directive, issued on Sunday, ordered 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 immediate swing into action. This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday in Abuja.
Tinubu gave the order following the killing of villagers and abduction of women and children by terrorists suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto State and Zamfara after a United States air strike on Christmas Eve. The president strongly condemned the attack on the Kasuwan Daji community, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Niger State.
Tinubu stated that the terrorists have tested the resolve of the country and its people and must face the full consequences of their criminal actions. He emphasized that regardless of who the terrorists are or their intent, they must be hunted down and that all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form will be caught and brought to justice.
The president assured residents of Niger that security agencies had been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly areas close to forests used as criminal hideouts. He affirmed that the Federal Government would not allow criminal elements to destabilise communities or undermine national security.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united and resolute in the face of the tragedy, warning against divisive rhetoric that could weaken national cohesion. He called for unity and collective action to confront and defeat the terrorists, denying them any sanctuary and reclaiming peace and security for the affected communities.