President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated security crackdown following the shocking abduction of dozens of worshippers from multiple mosques in Niger State, declaring that the perpetrators of the attack would be hunted down and brought to justice.

The directive comes in the wake of a brazen assault carried out by armed terrorists during last Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Borgu Local Government Area, where worshippers were reportedly kidnapped from four separate mosques in a synchronized operation that has sparked outrage across the country.

According to local accounts, heavily armed attackers stormed the mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana while prayers were in progress, creating panic among worshippers before taking control of the premises.

Residents said the gunmen gathered scores of worshippers and marched them into nearby forests, leaving families and communities in anguish as uncertainty continues to surround the fate of the victims.

Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, President Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security and intelligence agencies to launch an aggressive rescue mission aimed at securing the release of all those abducted.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a cruel assault on innocent citizens and a direct attack on peace and humanity.

Tinubu expressed anger over both the killings and kidnappings that accompanied the invasion, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government would not allow those responsible to 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.

He also extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the attack, describing the incident as heartbreaking and deeply disturbing.

“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 stated.

Advertisement

Addressing relatives of the abducted victims, Tinubu sought to reassure them that the government was fully committed to securing the safe return of their loved ones.

“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.

As part of the emergency response, the President directed the nation’s Service Chiefs to provide him with continuous updates on the rescue efforts and security operations until every abducted victim is accounted for.

The order signals increasing pressure on security agencies to produce results amid growing concerns over the persistence of attacks on rural communities across parts of northern Nigeria.

Reaffirming his administration’s determination to confront insecurity, Tinubu insisted that terrorists would not be allowed to intimidate the nation or undermine public confidence.

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

He further assured the people of Niger State that the Federal Government would work closely with the state government to strengthen security, provide humanitarian assistance where necessary, and support recovery efforts in affected communities.

The latest attack has once again highlighted the vulnerability of remote communities to armed groups and has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect civilians, particularly in areas repeatedly targeted by terrorists and bandits.

For the families waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones, attention now turns to the rescue operation ordered by the President and whether security forces can deliver a breakthrough in one of the most disturbing mass abductions in recent months.