‘I’m Left With Only the Clothes I Wore’: Survivor Recounts Niger State Terror Attack as Over 40 Killed and Many Abducted in Kasuwar Daji

A survivor of the deadly terror attack in Kasuwar Daji, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, has narrated the harrowing ordeal that left over 40 people dead and many others abducted, including women, children, and the elderly. Mohammed Suleiman, one of the victims, said the attackers destroyed everything the community depended on for survival, leaving residents destitute and traumatised.

Speaking in a video shared online, Suleiman revealed that farmlands, food stores, and harvested crops such as rice, maize, guinea corn, and sugar cane were completely burnt during the coordinated assault, which involved machetes, gunfire, and arson. He lamented that he was left with only the clothes he wore during the attack, with no footwear or personal belongings remaining.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, believed to have emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park forest, launched the attack in the late afternoon and continued into the night, setting homes, markets, and food reserves ablaze. Several villagers, including children and elderly residents, were reportedly rounded up and killed, while others were taken away by the attackers.

Survivors say the community now faces severe food shortages, with nothing left to feed displaced children and families. Suleiman and other affected residents are appealing for urgent government intervention, calling for improved security, humanitarian assistance, and long-term solutions as fear and trauma continue to grip Kasuwar Daji and surrounding communities.

COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared that bandits and other criminal elements would no longer find refuge in Nigeria’s forests, deserts or national parks, as he charged troops to intensify operations and flush them out of all hideouts.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday while addressing soldiers and officers of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Ibadan during an operation visit.

The COAS commended the officers and soldiers for the successes recorded within their area of responsibility, while urging them to sustain the momentum.

“We must let them know that there is no safe haven anywhere. Come rain, come sun, forested areas, desert areas or mountainous areas, we are going after them,” the Army Chief said.

According to him, criminal groups had continued to exploit difficult and forested terrains to launch attacks on innocent citizens, stressing that such advantages would no longer be tolerated.

The COAS directed troops to intensify night operations, noting that dominance of the terrain especially forested zones was critical to denying bandits freedom of movement and operational space.

Shaibu specifically pointed to security challenges around the Kwara general area, Kainji Lake National Park and the Old Oyo National Park, saying firm directives were being issued to ensure that all criminal elements were flushed out of the areas.

“Directives are coming up so that you go and clear everything in that place. We are moving with ruthless determination to eliminate all those disturbing that terrain,” he said.

He praised the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and other senior officers for their leadership, saying the operational briefing he received reflected determination and clear focus.

The Army Chief urged officers to continue to lead from the front, describing leadership as a decisive factor in sustaining operational superiority and achieving victory over adversaries.

Shaibu also expressed satisfaction with the morale and responsiveness of the troops, adding that he expected more tangible results from the 2 Division area of responsibility in the coming days.

On welfare, the COAS assured officers and soldiers that their well-being remained a top priority for Army Headquarters, pledging that entitlements would be paid promptly and logistical needs addressed.

He disclosed that approval had been granted for additional renovation and construction of accommodation within barracks under the division to ease existing accommodation pressure.

“You will be given all you require, and all your entitlements will be paid as and when due,” Shaibu assured the troops.

He added that sustained discipline, motivation and improved welfare were indispensable to maintaining operational superiority against bandits and other criminal elements threatening communities across the region.