Nigeria launches hunt for hundreds of kidnapped mosque worshippers

Nigeria has initiated a large-scale rescue operation to find approximately 600 worshippers who were kidnapped from mosques in Niger State. President Bola Tinubu ordered the military and other security services to launch a coordinated mission after the worshippers were abducted from the Dekera village area last week.

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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.

Mass kidnappings for ransom have surged across northern Nigeria this year, intensifying concerns ahead of the January presidential elections, where security is expected to be a key campaign issue. A video circulating on social media appears to show a large group of captives held by armed men in a forest, with children heard crying.

Local officials reported that 30 people were killed in the attacks and buried on Sunday. Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to secure the release of the worshippers, highlighting the escalating threat of mass abductions. The Nigerian presidency condemned the "cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians" and vowed to bring those responsible to justice, with President Tinubu assuring affected families that the nation shares their anguish and will not rest until the captives are returned safely.

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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.

An estimated 2,000 people fled to neighboring Benin following the attacks. Security experts note that Northwest Nigeria has long been a transit point for arms and gunmen, and the region, along with neighboring countries, is increasingly targeted by groups like Boko Haram and ISIL.

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cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians