President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate, coordinated rescue operation involving the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies following the mass abduction and reported killing of residents in Niger State.
Tinubu, in a statement personally signed and issued on Tuesday, expressed outrage over the attack and vowed that those responsible for the abduction and killing of innocent Nigerians would not escape justice.
“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,” the President said.
“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 presidential directive follows the reported attack on the Kpenya Mosque in the Dekara district of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, alongside surrounding communities including Gidan-Zana and Sabon Gida.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, between about 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., when residents had gathered for Friday congregational prayers.
Armed men reportedly stormed the mosque and surrounding communities before abducting worshippers and residents. According to reports, the attackers were dressed in military-style clothing and marched some of their victims into nearby forests.
The scale of the abduction remains unclear, with the Nigeria Police Force yet to officially confirm the final number of victims.
However, local accounts and unverified videos circulating online indicate that more than 60 people and possibly over 100 worshippers and residents, including women, children and elderly persons, may have been abducted.
There have also been reports of multiple deaths during the attack, although the exact number of fatalities remains subject to official verification.
The development has triggered renewed concern over the safety of civilians in affected communities, particularly amid fears that some of the abducted victims could remain in the forests where the attackers reportedly took them.
Tinubu extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attack and prayed for strength for those mourning.
“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.
The President also assured the families of those abducted that the Federal Government would not abandon the rescue effort until the victims were brought home.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He subsequently directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until every abducted person is accounted for.
The President vowed that the latest attack would not intimidate the government or weaken its resolve to protect Nigerians.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he declared.
Tinubu further expressed solidarity with the people of Niger State and pledged federal assistance for 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 said.
The President’s directive places the security agencies under renewed pressure to locate the abducted victims, secure the affected communities and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.