Tinubu orders swift rescue of kidnapped worshippers in Niger

President Bola Tinubu has directed the security and intelligence agencies to step up the fight to rescue kidnapped Muslim worshippers in Niger State.

This directive was issued following reports that gunmen kidnapped an unknown number of worshippers from different villages of Borgu LGA within moments of Friday’s Juma’at prayers at the central mosque in Dekara.

The special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu directed the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and DSS, among other security operatives, to embark on a joint operation to trace and rescue the kidnapped persons.

He also ordered the service chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the operation until all those abducted are accounted for.

Describing the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity”, Tinubu vowed that those responsible would be brought to 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,” he said.

The president condoled with the families of those killed in the attack and assured them that the federal government was committed to securing the safe return of their relatives.

“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.

Tinubu also assured the people of Niger state of the federal government’s support, saying additional security and other assistance would be provided to the state government.

“The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement,” he said.

The president said the latest attack would not weaken the government’s resolve to confront terrorism and other forms of criminality.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu said.

He also expressed sympathy to the people of Niger state over the attack and prayed for the families of those killed.

“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time,” the president added.