Niger Abductees: DHQ Says Tinubu’s Rescue Order Being Fully Implemented

| Perpetrators of Niger attack won’t go scot-free, President vows

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, James Kwen, Tarkaa David, Igho Oyoyo, Abdullahi Sambo Richifa, Achor Abimaje, Abu Nmodu , Abdullahi Olesin, Nicholas Dekera 

In obedience to a presidential order, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said it is fully implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the immediate rescue of worshippers abducted in Niger State, assuring that the military is working with other security agencies to secure the safe return of the victims.

The director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this while responding to inquiries by LEADERSHIP on the progress of the rescue operation.

Onoja said the military was working in conjunction with other security agencies to ensure that all the abducted citizens were rescued safely, in line with the President’s directive.

He said, “The Presidential order is being implemented to the fullest to ensure the recovery of the kidnapped citizens, in conjunction with other security agencies.

“The aim is to ensure that the victims are rescued and returned safely in line with the Presidential directive.”

President Tinubu had ordered the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to immediately launch a coordinated operation to rescue the victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.

The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state.

“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” he said.

Tinubu also condoled with the families of those killed in the attack and assured them that the federal government would not relent until the abducted victims were safely reunited with their families.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

“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,” the president said.

He directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all the abducted persons were accounted for.

“‘Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.

“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time. The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement,” Tinubu added.

At least 30 people were killed following attacks on four mosques in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday.

The terrorists reportedly attacked the mosques simultaneously during Juma’at prayers in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities, abducting dozens of worshippers.

The attackers allegedly rounded up the worshippers and marched them into the forest.