Tinubu orders immediate rescue of Niger abduction victims

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated rescue operation following the mass abduction of worshippers and residents in Niger State, directing security agencies to locate and free the victims.

The directive was disclosed on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement issued by the State House. Tinubu condemned the attack, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity,” and vowed that those responsible would face the consequences. “Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” he said.

The President commiserated with families of those reportedly killed in the attack and assured them of the Federal Government’s support. “You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers are brought back safely to you,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to mount a coordinated operation to locate and rescue the abducted persons. He also vowed that the government would not allow terrorism to undermine national security. “Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he said.

The President further assured the Niger State Government of federal support, promising the necessary assistance to strengthen security operations, facilitate recovery efforts, and provide relief to affected communities.

The abduction reportedly occurred on Friday when suspected terrorists invaded Kpenya Mosque in Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village, Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area, during Jumat prayers. The attackers reportedly stormed the mosque at about 2 p.m. and began abducting worshippers.

Children, women, and elderly persons were among those reportedly taken, while some residents fled into a nearby forest to escape the attackers. The assailants were also said to have abducted the village head of Ka’ada, who had recently regained his freedom after spending time in captivity, as well as the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekar.

Tinubu’s directive comes amid renewed security concerns and reports of mass abductions in parts of Niger State, with security agencies now expected to intensify efforts to locate the victims, secure their release and bring those responsible to justice.