Key facts
- President Bola Tinubu ordered an immediate rescue operation for scores of people kidnapped in Niger State.
- An armed group posted a video showing approximately 600 people abducted from a mosque.
- The presidency condemned the attack as cowardly and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
- Mass abductions for ransom are common in parts of northwestern and north-central Nigeria.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered the military and other security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation following the mass kidnapping of scores of people in north-central Niger State last week. An armed group posted a video on social media showing what residents claim are about 600 women, children, and older people abducted during an attack on a mosque. Reuters could not independently verify the figure, but if confirmed, it would be among Nigeria's largest and most audacious mass kidnappings in recent years.
The presidency condemned the attack as cowardly and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. "Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities and uphold the sanctity of human life," Tinubu said in a statement. He directed security chiefs to provide regular updates on the rescue efforts.