Tinubu Orders Nationwide Manhunt After Terror Attack Kills Over 40 in Niger State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators of a brutal terrorist attack in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead, sending shockwaves across the country and renewing concerns over insecurity in rural communities.

The attack occurred when heavily armed gunmen stormed a busy market and nearby settlements in parts of the state, opening fire indiscriminately on traders and residents. Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers, shooting sporadically, setting shops ablaze, looting goods, and abducting several people before fleeing into surrounding forested areas. Many of the victims were civilians, including women and children, who had gathered at the market for daily trading activities.

Initial official reports confirmed dozens of fatalities, but local residents and community leaders said the death toll climbed beyond 40 as more bodies were recovered. Several others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to nearby medical facilities, while families continued to search for missing relatives feared abducted during the raid.

Condemning the attack, President Tinubu described the killings as a senseless act of terror and a direct assault on innocent Nigerians. He directed security agencies to spare no effort in tracking down those responsible and ensuring they face the full weight of the law. The President also ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and warned that anyone found aiding or collaborating with the attackers would be dealt with decisively.

Following Tinubu’s directive, the military, police, and other security agencies have been placed on high alert, with reinforcements deployed to affected areas. A coordinated security operation has been launched to comb forests and suspected hideouts, as authorities seek to prevent further attacks and restore calm to the region.

The Niger State government also condemned the violence and appealed for calm, assuring residents that security forces were taking firm steps to protect lives and property. Emergency support has been extended to affected communities, while local officials work with security agencies to gather intelligence from survivors and witnesses.

Political leaders and civil society groups across the country have expressed outrage over the attack, calling for sustained action to address the root causes of violence in rural and border communities. Many have urged the federal government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security presence in remote areas, and dismantle criminal networks operating in forests.

The latest attack highlights the persistent security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target villages, markets, and highways. As the nation mourns the victims, pressure is mounting on authorities to translate strong condemnations into lasting security solutions that can prevent further loss of life.