Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered the military and other security agencies on Tuesday to launch an immediate rescue operation after scores of people were kidnapped by gunmen in north-central Niger State last week.
President orders immediate rescue operation
An armed group posted a video on Facebook and WhatsApp showing what residents said were about 600 women, children and older people abducted during an attack on a mosque in the state.
Reuters could not independently verify the figure, but if confirmed it would rank among Nigeria’s largest and most audacious mass kidnappings in recent years.
READ: Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis expands
In its first public comments on the incident, the presidency condemned the attack as cowardly and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Mass abductions common in Nigeria
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu said in a statement.
Tinubu directed security chiefs to provide regular updates on efforts to rescue the abductees and account for all those taken.
Mass abductions for ransom have become common in parts of northwestern and north-central Nigeria, where heavily armed criminal gangs frequently raid villages, schools and highways. The groups often hold captives for weeks or months while demanding large ransoms and have increasingly expanded their operations beyond traditional strongholds in the north.
- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered immediate military and security agency action to rescue kidnapped individuals in Niger State.
- Approximately 600 women, children, and older people were abducted during an attack on a mosque, according to a video posted by an armed group.
- The presidency condemned the attack and promised justice for those responsible, with Tinubu emphasizing defense of the people and protection of communities.
- Tinubu instructed security officials to provide regular updates on rescue efforts and accounting for all abductees.
- Mass abductions for ransom by armed gangs have become common in northwestern and north-central Nigeria, with operations expanding beyond traditional areas.
