Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue Mission
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate rescue operation after gunmen reportedly abducted scores of people in Niger State.
The attack took place in north-central Nigeria last week.
Tinubu directed the military and other security agencies to find the abductees and bring them home.
He also ordered security chiefs to provide regular updates on the rescue effort.
Hundreds Reportedly Abducted
An armed group shared a video on Facebook and WhatsApp that reportedly showed around 600 women, children and elderly people.
Residents said the group had abducted the victims during an attack on a mosque.
Reuters could not independently verify the number.
If confirmed, however, the incident would rank among Nigeria’s largest mass kidnappings in recent years.
Attack Left 30 People Dead
An official from Borgu district said the attack also killed around 30 people.
The victims were buried on Sunday, according to the official.
The affected communities include Dakera, Gidan-Zana and Sabon Gida.
The official spoke anonymously because she did not have permission to discuss the incident publicly.
Tinubu Vows to Defend Communities
The Nigerian presidency condemned the attack.
Tinubu described the violence as cowardly and promised that those responsible would face justice.
He said Nigeria would defend its people and protect communities from further attacks.
The president also stressed the importance of protecting human life.
Thousands Flee to Benin
Abubakar Umar, the traditional leader of Dakera, said at least 2,000 people fled the area.
The residents reportedly crossed into neighboring Benin Republic after the attack.
The large-scale displacement highlights the growing fear among communities affected by armed groups.
However, authorities are still working to determine the exact number of people missing.
Authorities Verify Abduction Figures
Obed Nana, Niger State’s commissioner for information, said officials were still checking reports about the missing people.
He urged caution because the information remains sensitive.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the reported figure of around 600 abductees is accurate.
The investigation and rescue operation are continuing.
Nigeria Faces Growing Kidnapping Crisis
Mass kidnapping has become a serious security problem across parts of northwestern and north-central Nigeria.
Armed criminal gangs frequently attack villages, schools and major roads.
They often demand large ransoms in exchange for releasing their captives.
Some victims remain in captivity for weeks or even months.
Criminal Groups Expand Their Operations
Kidnapping gangs have increasingly moved beyond their traditional areas of operation.
Their activities now affect communities farther south and other parts of the country.
The expansion has increased pressure on Nigerian security forces.
The latest Nigeria mass kidnapping has renewed concerns about the government’s ability to protect vulnerable communities.
Rescue Efforts Now Underway
Tinubu’s order puts the military and security agencies under pressure to secure the release of the abducted people.
Officials must also determine how many people remain missing.
The government faces a difficult challenge as it works to rescue victims while preventing further attacks.
For families waiting for their relatives to return, the immediate priority remains clear: bringing the abductees home safely.
