ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate and coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
The directive followed the abduction and killing of residents in the state, an incident the President described as a barbaric attack on innocent Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu ordered the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to mobilise immediately for the rescue mission.
The President also directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates until all abducted victims are rescued and accounted for.
Tinubu condemned the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity”, warning that those responsible would face the consequences of their actions.
He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attack and assured them that the Federal Government would not abandon them. 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.
The President further assured residents of Niger State that his administration would continue to deploy security resources to protect communities and confront terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.
Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he said.
Tinubu also pledged Federal Government support for the Niger State Government, including additional security reinforcement, relief and recovery assistance.
The latest directive comes amid renewed security concerns in Niger State, where bandits recently abducted worshippers during Friday prayers in the Borgu area.
The incident has heightened concerns about the safety of residents and worshippers in vulnerable communities, particularly in areas affected by recurring bandit attacks.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago had earlier condemned the attack and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims.
The President’s order is expected to bring together military, police and intelligence resources in a more coordinated effort to locate the victims, disrupt the attackers and restore security to affected communities.
