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Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Police Force, Department of State Services and other security and intelligence agencies to launch an operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
The directive followed the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminals in the state, which the president condemned as a “cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians.”
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, Tinubu described those behind the attack as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” and vowed that they 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,” the president said.
Tinubu also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack.
“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,” he said.
The president assured affected families that the government was committed to bringing the abducted victims home safely.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the rescue operation until all the abducted victims have been accounted for.
The president vowed that the latest attack would not weaken the government’s resolve to confront insecurity across the country.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he said.
Tinubu further expressed solidarity with residents of Niger State, assuring them that the Nigerian Government would work with the state government to support recovery efforts and strengthen security.
“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.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS MASS ABDUCTION IN NIGER STATE, ORDERS IMMEDIATE RESCUE OPERATION
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence… pic.twitter.com/MitiKphiJb
— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) August 25, 2026
