President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to immediately launch a coordinated rescue operation following a mass abduction in Niger State.
The directive was contained in a State House press release issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu condemned the attack and the killing of innocent citizens, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” who would not go unpunished.
He also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, praying for strength for their loved ones.
Addressing families of those abducted, Tinubu assured them that the Federal Government would do everything necessary to secure the victims’ safe return.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu 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 government would not allow terrorism and criminality to intimidate Nigerians, stressing that the Federal Government would continue to defend citizens, protect communities and uphold human life.
The President also assured the Niger State Government of the Federal Government’s full support for recovery efforts, relief measures and additional security reinforcement.
“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time,” Tinubu added.
The State House statement did not disclose the exact location of the abduction or the number of people abducted.
