Tinubu directs security forces to free hundreds abducted in Niger State mosque raid
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has instructed military and security agencies to immediately launch a rescue mission following a mass abduction at a mosque in north-central Niger State. Local residents report that around 600 women, children, and elderly people were taken, though authorities are still verifying the exact number. The attack also left at least 30 people dead, and many villagers have fled to neighboring Benin Republic.
The assault targeted worshippers in the Borgu district, where local officials confirmed 30 fatalities with burials held on Sunday. Three communities—Dakera, Gidan-Zana, and Sabon Gida—were directly affected, and the traditional head of Dakera reported that at least 2,000 residents have crossed into Benin Republic seeking safety.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the abduction count, with the state information commissioner cautioning against speculation given the sensitivity of the figures. The attack follows a pattern of heavily armed criminal gangs operating across northwestern and north-central Nigeria, who frequently raid villages, schools, and highways, often holding captives for extended periods while demanding substantial ransoms. The presidency has condemned the incident and pledged accountability for those responsible.
This incident could deepen public anxiety about security in rural northern Nigeria, where communities already face recurring threats from armed gangs. If the abduction count is verified, it may strain government credibility and prompt wider scrutiny of military effectiveness. Displacement across the Benin border could create regional humanitarian pressures, while families of the missing may face prolonged uncertainty and financial hardship from ransom demands. The episode may also influence public perception of Tinubu's security policies and intensify calls for more robust protective measures in vulnerable areas.