President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of about 30 people, including women and children, in Southern Kaduna, describing the attack as an “unprovoked act of terror” against defenceless citizens and directing security agencies to track down those responsible.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to defeat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping nationwide, assuring Nigerians that the ongoing restructuring of the country’s security architecture would deliver lasting results.
The presidential directive followed Monday’s deadly attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where about 30 residents, including women and children, were reportedly killed in their sleep. Several homes were also set ablaze, while an unspecified number of residents were abducted by the attackers.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.
The President directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and intelligence agencies to intensify operations in the affected communities, rescue abducted victims and restore peace.
“I have directed the Armed Forces, police, and relevant intelligence agencies to intensify operations across the affected areas to track down the perpetrators swiftly, secure the release of abducted individuals, and restore normalcy to the region.
“Our administration has an unwavering commitment to strengthening security infrastructure, equipping response personnel, and neutralising criminal networks attempting to disrupt the peace of the nation.
“I urge our local communities to cooperate with security forces by providing actionable intelligence that would help early response efforts,” the President said.
Tinubu described the killings as a barbaric assault on innocent civilians and extended his condolences to the bereaved families, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the people of the state, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace.
Speaking separately while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the ongoing restructuring of Nigeria’s security institutions would strengthen the country’s fight against violent crimes.
According to him, the government is enhancing intelligence gathering, improving logistics, expanding security infrastructure and prioritising the welfare of frontline personnel to improve operational effectiveness.
“We don’t have another country but here – this Nigeria. And I will refer to the national anthem that in our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all, and humanity.
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem,” Tinubu said.
The President also highlighted the administration’s economic and education reforms, maintaining that Nigeria had overcome the economic uncertainty it inherited and was now on a path to prosperity.
“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.
“The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.
“I always say, because of my background and profession, that I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he stated.
Tinubu further expressed confidence in the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) announced the death of one of its senior officers, Colonel A.A. Ude, who was killed by unidentified assailants at his residence in the Phase 5 Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, Abuja.
The agency said security and law enforcement authorities had launched a full investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“The late senior officer served the nation with exceptional dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the defence and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Security and law enforcement agencies have commenced a full investigation into the incident, and every effort is being made to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible,” the DIA said.
