By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has 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.
The President issued the directive in a statement signed on Monday, 25 August 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in which he expressed outrage over 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,” Tinubu said.
The President extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, praying that God grant the departed eternal rest and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
“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.
He further assured the families of the abducted that the nation stood with them in their anguish.
“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 proceeded to direct the Service Chiefs to give him regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.
The President vowed that terror would not cow Nigeria, insisting that the government would defend the people, protect communities and uphold the sanctity of human life.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he said.
He also assured the people of Niger State of his prayers during the difficult period, pledging that the Federal Government would stand firmly with the state government and provide all necessary support to aid 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,” Tinubu said.
