By Hauwa Gwandu

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the nation’s security chiefs to account for every victim of the latest mass abduction in Niger State, directing security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue those still in captivity.

Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to locate the abducted victims and ensure their safe return.

The President also vowed that those behind the abduction and killing of innocent Nigerians would be brought to justice, describing the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” who would not escape punishment.

Tinubu issued the directive while reacting to the mass abduction and killings in Niger State, condemning the incident as a “cowardly attack” on defenceless Nigerians.

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

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu ordered the security agencies to immediately coordinate their operations and intensify intelligence-led efforts to locate and rescue the victims.

He specifically directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the rescue operation, stressing that the mission must continue until every abducted person is accounted for.

The President expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and sympathised with relatives still waiting anxiously for the return of their loved ones.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He also assured the families of the abducted victims that the Federal Government would not abandon them, pledging that security agencies would sustain the rescue operation until their loved ones were safely brought home.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu further declared that the attack would not weaken the government’s resolve to confront terrorism and criminality or deter efforts to protect communities across the country.

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

He assured the Niger State Government of the Federal Government’s continued support, including measures to strengthen security and provide relief and recovery assistance to communities affected by the attack.

“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 said.