Nigeria Orders Manhunt After Deadly Mass Kidnapping in Niger State

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate military led manhunt and rescue operation after armed gunmen killed at least 30 people and abducted hundreds in Niger State. The attack took place last week in Borgu district, where gunmen raided several communities, including Dekara, during Friday prayers. A video later circulated online appearing to show around 600 women, children and elderly people being held by armed men in a forest. Authorities have not independently confirmed the exact number of abductees.

Local officials said about 2,000 residents fled across the border into neighbouring Benin Republic following the attacks. The remote location and dense forests are expected to make any rescue operation particularly challenging. Tinubu condemned the attacks and directed security chiefs to provide regular updates on efforts to rescue the victims and account for everyone abducted. The government has vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

The mass kidnapping has renewed concerns about worsening insecurity in northern and north-central Nigeria, where armed groups frequently raid villages, schools and places of worship for ransom. Security experts say the attackers’ ability to move across remote areas and national borders continues to make such operations difficult to contain.