President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria’s security forces to locate and apprehend those responsible for the deadly assault on Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State. At least 30 people were killed during the attack, while scores of women and children were kidnapped. The attackers also set the market ablaze and looted goods.
The President linked the violence to armed groups fleeing Sokoto and Zamfara states after a U.S. military airstrike in late December 2025. Security officials have been directed to rescue all abducted victims and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
Niger State Police confirmed that armed men from the National Park forest near Kabe District carried out the attack. Residents had noticed armed individuals in nearby communities in the days leading up to the assault.
The attack took place near Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in November 2025. Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain united against insecurity and avoid divisive statements that could worsen the situation.
Nigeria has seen a sharp rise in terrorist activity, ranking sixth globally on the 2025 Global Terrorism Index. More than 2,266 deaths were recorded from attacks by non-state armed groups in the first half of 2025, doubling the previous year’s figures.
To address growing insecurity, President Tinubu proposed a N5.41 trillion allocation for security in the 2026 budget. The funds aim to strengthen the military, improve coordination among security agencies, and support community-based peace initiatives to curb violent extremism.