Security forces have launched a major operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State following the reported mass abduction of hundreds of residents by terrorists.
The operation involves personnel from the Nigerian military, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, who have moved into the affected communities and surrounding areas to locate the victims and track the attackers.
Tinubu orders immediate rescue
The operation follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered security and intelligence agencies to coordinate efforts to rescue the abducted residents.
The President’s directive came after terrorists reportedly attacked communities in Borgu, with worshippers and other residents among those taken captive.
The security agencies have been instructed to pursue the attackers and secure the safe release of the victims.
Hundreds feared abducted
The exact number of people still in captivity remains subject to verification, with reports putting the number of abducted residents in the hundreds.
The attacks reportedly affected communities including Gbeji/Gidan-Zana, Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara in Borgu Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has also expressed concern over the attacks and called for urgent action to rescue the victims.
Security forces move into affected areas
The deployment of military, police and intelligence personnel marks an intensified response to the mass abduction.
Security agencies are expected to combine ground operations with intelligence gathering as they search forests and other areas where the victims may have been taken.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed operational details that could compromise the rescue mission.
Communities remain anxious
The incident has generated widespread concern among residents and political leaders, with calls for stronger security measures in the affected areas.
The attacks have also renewed concerns about the growing threat posed by mass kidnapping in parts of northern Nigeria.
Recent figures from SBM Intelligence indicate that 7,825 people were kidnapped in Nigeria between July 2025 and June 2026, with at least 1,142 people killed during the period. The organisation said its figures were based on media reports, interviews and publicly available information and may not capture every incident.
Government faces pressure to secure victims
The latest operation puts pressure on security agencies to deliver a successful rescue while preventing further attacks on communities in the area.
For families of those abducted, however, the immediate priority remains the safe return of their loved ones.
Authorities have urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies while avoiding actions that could interfere with ongoing operations.
The road ahead
The mass abduction is another major test of Nigeria’s ability to respond quickly to large-scale attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
As security forces continue their search, attention will remain focused on whether the operation can secure the release of the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
OnPointGist will continue to monitor the rescue operation and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
