President Bola Tinubu has directed the military, the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify and arrest those behind the deadly assault on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State.
A statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the president has also directed security agencies to urgently rescue all residents abducted during the incident.
The directive follows the killing of 42 villagers in Niger State by terrorists believed to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara after the United States carried out an air strike on Christmas Eve.
Women and children were among those abducted during the Kasuwan Daji attack.
President Tinubu also sympathised with the families of the victims as well as the government and people of Niger State.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the statement reads.
“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.”
He assured residents of Niger State that security agencies have been instructed to scale up operations around vulnerable areas, particularly communities located near forests used as criminal hideouts.
The president appealed to Nigerians to remain united, warning against statements capable of weakening national cohesion and security.
“These times demand our humanity,” he added.
“We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison.
“United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities.”