JUST IN: Tinubu orders security agencies to rescue victims of Niger mass abduction

News, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.

The President also expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens in the North-Central state, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity.”

In a statement issued on Saturday, August 25, 2026, Tinubu directed the security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue those still in captivity.

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“I have directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation immediately for the victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.

“I am outraged by the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state.

“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 expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and assured affected families that the Federal Government would continue working to secure the safe return of those abducted.

“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 also directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all the abducted victims are accounted for.

He vowed that the latest attack would not weaken the country’s resolve in confronting criminal elements responsible for attacks and abductions.

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

The President further assured the people of Niger State that the Federal Government would provide necessary support to the state government in the areas of recovery, relief and security reinforcement.

“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 added.

Background

The latest directive comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where criminal groups have carried out kidnappings and attacks targeting communities, travellers and other vulnerable groups.

Newpost Africa had earlier reported the successful rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State following a coordinated operation by Nigerian security agencies. The victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.

The Oyo operation demonstrated the potential impact of coordinated intelligence and security operations in securing the release of kidnapping victims.

What Tinubu’s Directive Means

The latest order places the rescue of the Niger State victims at the centre of the Federal Government’s immediate security response, with multiple security and intelligence agencies expected to work together in locating the abductees and dismantling the criminal network responsible.

The President’s directive for regular briefings also signals a heightened level of presidential oversight of the operation as security agencies work to account for all those abducted.

The renewed focus on rescue operations comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with kidnapping, terrorism and banditry in several parts of the country.

For the families of the victims, however, the immediate priority remains the safe return of their loved ones.

The President said the government would “not rest” until those abducted were accounted for.