Tinubu Orders Massive Joint Security Operation to Rescue Kidnapped Mosque Worshippers in Niger State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security forces to execute an immediate, coordinated search-and-rescue mission following a series of mass abductions across rural communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The presidential directive follows violent raids in which heavily armed bandits targeted worship centers during Friday prayers. Assailants invaded several villages including Kpenya, Dekara, Sabon-Gida, and Gidan-Zana surrounding mosques and marching scores of worshippers, women, children, and community elders into surrounding forest reserves. Among those taken captive were the village head of Ka’ada and the 90-year-old father of the Dekar District Head.

In an official statement released by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu strongly condemned the violent raid, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity who will not go scot-free”. The President directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and relevant intelligence outfits to deploy joint tactical teams and provide continuous operational briefings until every victim is accounted for.

Extending his condolences to families who lost relatives in the assault, President Tinubu assured the affected communities that the federal government stands firmly behind them. The President declared that terrorism will not intimidate the country, pledging comprehensive federal support to reinforce security and bring the captives home safely.