World News
Nigerian president orders rescue mission following mass abduction in Niger State
President Bola Tinubu directed security forces to track down perpetrators and recover victims abducted from a mosque attack in north-central Nigeria.
The short version
- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered military and security forces to launch an immediate rescue operation after gunmen attacked a mosque in north-central Niger State.
- Residents report that approximately 600 people—mostly women, children, and elderly residents—were abducted, while a local district official stated 30 people were killed.
- At least 2,000 villagers have reportedly fled across the border into neighboring Benin following the assault.
- State authorities are working to confirm the exact number of victims and missing individuals.
Key facts
- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu instructed security chiefs to conduct a rescue operation and provide regular updates after a mass kidnapping in Niger State.[France 24]
- An unnamed official from Borgu district stated that 30 people killed in the raid were buried on Sunday, affecting the villages of Dakera, Gidan-Zana, and Sabon Gida.[France 24]
- Local residents reported that about 600 women, children, and older people were taken, and a video displaying captives was shared on WhatsApp and Facebook.[France 24]
- Dakera traditional leader Abubakar Umar reported that at least 2,000 residents escaped into neighboring Benin Republic after the attack.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- Niger State Information Commissioner Obed Nana noted that authorities have not yet independently verified the exact number of people missing or abducted.[France 24]