President Bola Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security and intelligence agencies to immediately commence a joint operation aimed at rescuing victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
Reacting strongly to the incident, which involved the abduction and killing of innocent citizens, Tinubu condemned the attackers as criminals and described the assault as a cowardly act. He vowed that those behind the attack would be brought to justice, stressing that they would not escape punishment.
The President also sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones during the difficult period.
Tinubu assured families of the abducted victims that the Federal Government would deploy every necessary resource to ensure their safe return.
“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.