By Duchess Ifeoluwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the military, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to hunt down and apprehend terrorists responsible for the recent attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State.
The President directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to ensure that the perpetrators are tracked down and brought to justice without delay.
He also instructed security agencies to urgently rescue all victims abducted during the attack.
Tinubu issued the directive on Sunday, following the killing of villagers in Kasuwan Daji by terrorists believed to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states after the United States’ air strike on Christmas Eve.
The President strongly condemned the attack on the community, as well as the abduction of women and children, describing the incident as a test of the nation’s resolve against terrorism and criminality.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and sympathised with the government and people of Niger State over the tragic incident.
“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.
Tinubu assured residents of Niger State that security agencies had been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forest areas that have served as hideouts for criminal elements.
He urged Nigerians to remain united and resolute in the face of the tragedy, warning against divisive rhetoric capable of undermining national security and national cohesion at a critical time.
According to him, unity and collective resolve remain essential to defeating terrorism and restoring peace to affected communities.
“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 and reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” the President added.
