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.
The President also condemned the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements, describing the attack as cowardly and barbaric.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 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 the abducted victims.
The President expressed outrage over the incident and assured the affected families that the Federal Government would not relent until their loved ones were safely recovered.
He said those behind the attack were “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” who would not escape justice.
President Tinubu also commiserated with the families of those killed in the attack, praying for the repose of the souls of the victims and strength for their loved ones to bear the loss.
According to the statement, the President said, “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 further directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the progress of the rescue operation until all the abducted persons had been accounted for.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the government would not be intimidated by acts of terrorism, stressing that the administration remained committed to protecting 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,” the President said.
He also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Niger State, pledging that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support for recovery, relief efforts and the reinforcement of security in affected areas.
