President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
The directive followed the abduction and killing of residents in the state, which the President condemned as a barbaric attack on innocent Nigerians.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to mobilise for the rescue operation.
The President also ordered the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the operation until all the abducted victims are accounted for.
Describing the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity”, Tinubu vowed that those responsible for the attack would face the consequences of their actions.
“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.
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and prayed for strength for their loved ones.
He also assured the families of the abducted victims that the Federal Government would continue its efforts until their relatives were safely returned.
“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 assured residents of Niger State that his administration would continue to deploy security resources to protect communities and combat terrorism and other forms of criminality.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu said.
He added that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to the Niger State Government 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,” the President said.
The directive comes amid renewed concerns over attacks, abductions and other forms of insecurity affecting communities in parts of Niger State and other regions of the country.
