President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue people abducted during recent attacks in Niger State.
The President ordered the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to work together to locate the victims and secure their safe return.
The directive followed attacks on communities in Borgu Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly attacked several communities and abducted worshippers during Friday prayers.
Reports on the exact number of victims have varied. Local sources initially reported dozens of people abducted, while a video subsequently circulated appearing to show a much larger group of captives. Reuters reported that residents believed the footage showed about 600 abducted women, children and elderly people, but the footage and number could not be independently verified.
The President also directed the Service Chiefs to provide regular updates on the rescue operation until those abducted are accounted for.
Tinubu condemned the violence and assured affected families that the Federal Government would provide support for recovery, relief and security reinforcement.