Tinubu orders immediate rescue of Niger abduction victims

By Adebola Muili

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to immediately launch a coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.

The President gave the directive on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, while condemning the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the attack as barbaric and vowed that those responsible would not escape 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.

He expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, praying for the repose of the victims’ souls and the fortitude of their loved ones to bear the loss.

Tinubu also assured the affected families that the Federal Government would not relent until their abducted relatives were rescued.

“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 directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to confront terrorism and protect Nigerians and their communities, declaring that acts of terror would not intimidate the country.

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

The President further assured the people and government of Niger State of the Federal Government’s support, including necessary measures to aid recovery, provide relief and reinforce security in the affected areas.

The President’s directive followed reports of a mass abduction in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where armed attackers reportedly invaded communities and abducted scores of residents, including worshippers at a mosque.

Reports also indicated that some of the abducted persons were killed by their captors, while the exact number of victims remained unclear as authorities continued efforts to establish the scale of the incident and secure the release of those still in captivity.