Tinubu orders security agencies to rescue victims of Niger state mass abduction
President Bola Tinubu has directed the armed forces, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said Tinubu also directed the service chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.
According to Onanuga, the president expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of residents by criminal elements in the state, describing the attack as “cowardly” and vowing 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,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
WHAT HAPPENED IN NIGER STATE
The directive follows attacks by armed men on communities in Borgu LGA of Niger state on Friday, August 21.
The attackers reportedly raided several communities, including Dakera, Gidan-Zana, Sabon Gida and Kpenya, during Friday prayers and abducted scores of residents.
The Niger state government initially said the number of abducted persons was yet to be established as authorities continued to verify reports from the affected communities.
However, Mohammed Abdullahi, chairman of Borgu LGA, later said more than 60 people had been abducted and that nearly 30 of those taken had been killed by their captors. He said the bodies of those killed had been recovered and buried.
Reports have also emerged of a video showing a large number of captives, including women, children and elderly people.
Reuters said the video appeared to show about 600 abductees but noted that the figure could not be independently verified.
The Niger state government had earlier mobilised security agencies to the affected areas to assess the situation, track the attackers and facilitate the rescue of the abducted residents.
‘TERROR WILL NOT COW NIGERIA’
Tinubu said the federal government would provide the necessary support to the Niger state government and affected communities.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he said.
“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’s latest directive comes weeks after security agencies rescued 145 people abducted in Niger state as part of a wider operation that also secured the release of 163 victims in Kwara state. The 308 victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa LGA, Niger state.
Tinubu has now directed the security chiefs to maintain regular briefings on the latest rescue operation until all the victims are accounted for.
