…Condemns mass abduction, killing of innocent citizens
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate and coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
The President, who expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements, described the attack as cowardly 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,” Tinubu said.
He extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, praying that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give their loved ones the strength to bear the painful loss.
The President assured the affected families that the Federal Government would spare no effort to secure the safe return of those abducted.
“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.
Tinubu also directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all the abducted persons are accounted for.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to confront terrorism and criminality, stressing that the latest attack would not weaken its resolve to protect Nigerians.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” the President said.
He expressed solidarity with the people and government of Niger State, assuring the state of the Federal Government’s support through security reinforcement, relief and recovery efforts.
“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,” he said.
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of recurring mass abductions in Niger State, with conflicting figures emerging over the number of victims in the latest attacks on communities across the state.
While earlier reports put the number of abducted persons at more than 100, subsequent accounts from survivors reportedly suggested that the figure could be significantly higher, potentially exceeding 500.
However, the actual number of victims remains subject to verification as authorities and survivors have given differing accounts.
In a separate operation announced earlier in August, security forces reportedly rescued 145 victims abducted from Niger State, alongside 163 others from Kwara State, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 308.
The victims were reportedly found in the forested area of the Kainji Lake National Park before being taken for screening and medical attention.
The latest presidential directive underscores the urgency of the situation as security agencies intensify efforts to locate and rescue those still in captivity.
