President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate commencement of a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State, directing the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to deploy all necessary resources to the operation.
The President’s directive followed the reported abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state, an incident he condemned as a barbaric and cowardly assault on defenceless Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to work together to rescue those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The President expressed outrage over the incident, describing the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” who would not escape justice.
He extended his condolences to the families of those killed, praying that Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest and give their loved ones the strength to bear the painful loss.
Addressing the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, President Tinubu assured them that the Federal Government stood firmly with them during the difficult period.
“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 further directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all the abducted persons are accounted for.
He vowed that the latest attack would not weaken the nation’s resolve to confront terrorism and criminality, stressing that the government would continue to protect citizens and communities across the country.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” President Tinubu declared.
He also assured the Niger State Government of the Federal Government’s full support, including necessary measures for recovery, relief efforts and the reinforcement of security across affected communities.
President Tinubu said his prayers remained with the people of Niger State as the government intensified efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted victims and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
