Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue of Niger State Abduction Victims
…Directs Military, Police, DSS to Launch Coordinated Rescue Operation
…Says Perpetrators Are Enemies of Humanity and Will Not Go Scot-Free
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated security operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State, directing security and intelligence agencies to ensure that all those taken captive are accounted for and safely returned to their families.
The President directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to work jointly to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Tinubu, who expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent residents, also ordered the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the rescue operation until all the victims are accounted for.
The directive followed attacks on several communities in the remote Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where scores of residents were abducted, including Muslim worshippers attending Friday prayers at a mosque in Kpenya village.
Borgu Local Government Chairman, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, said at least 60 people were kidnapped during the attacks, while an unspecified number of residents sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to flee from the assailants.
Residents, however, put the number of abducted persons at between 60 and 80, although the police had yet to provide an official figure.
Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that gunmen attacked the mosque in Kpenya after raiding several villages across Borgu Local Government Area on Friday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu condemned the attacks and described the perpetrators as enemies of peace and humanity.
“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” the President said.
Tinubu commiserated with the families of those killed and assured relatives of the abducted victims that the Federal Government would deploy all necessary resources to secure their safe return.
“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,” he said.
The President further vowed that the attacks would not weaken the government’s determination to confront terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality threatening communities across the country.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu declared.
He also assured the Niger State Government of the Federal Government’s full support in responding to the attacks, including assistance for recovery and relief efforts, as well as the deployment of additional security personnel to affected communities.
“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 said.
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