Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue of Niger Mass Abduction Victims

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated security operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The President directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to work together to secure the safe release of all those abducted.

Tinubu also directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the progress of the rescue operation until all the victims are accounted for.

The presidential directive followed attacks on several communities in the remote Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, during which scores of residents were abducted, including Muslim worshippers attending Friday prayers at a mosque in Kpenya village.

The Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, said at least 60 people were kidnapped during the attacks, while an unspecified number of residents sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape from the assailants.

Residents, however, reportedly put the number of abducted persons at between 60 and 80, while the police had yet to provide an official figure.

The Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the gunmen attacked the mosque in Kpenya after raiding several villages in the Borgu area on Friday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the attacks, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and humanity” and vowing that they would face justice.

“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” the President said.

Tinubu condoled with the families of those killed and assured relatives of the abducted victims that the Federal Government would deploy the necessary resources to secure the safe return of their loved ones.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

“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,” he said.

The President vowed that the attack would not weaken the government’s resolve to confront terrorism and other forms of criminality threatening communities across the country.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu declared.

He also assured the Niger State Government of the Federal Government’s full support in responding to the incident, including assistance for recovery and relief efforts, as well as the reinforcement of security in affected communities.

“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time. The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement,” the President said.