Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Nigeria’s President Orders Rescue After Reported Mass Mosque Kidnapping
Gunmen reportedly attacked a mosque in Niger State, Nigeria, and kidnapped many people.
Residents said a video showed about 600 women, children and older people among the captives.
Reuters could not independently confirm that number.
A local official said 30 people were killed in the attack.
A community leader said about 2,000 people escaped to nearby Benin Republic.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the military and other security agencies to rescue the abducted people.
He also ordered officials to provide regular updates.
Security experts said the attack showed that armed groups can operate too easily in the area.
The government said the attackers would be brought to justice.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the military and security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation in Niger State.
Residents said a video showed about 600 women, children and older people abducted during a mosque attack.
Reuters could not independently verify the reported number of abductees, and Niger State authorities said they were still checking it.
A Borgu district official said 30 people were killed and buried on Sunday, while a community leader said about 2,000 people fled to Benin Republic.
Security experts said the incident exposed major security weaknesses, while the presidency vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
- Who
- Gunmen reportedly abducted residents; President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to respond.
- What
- A mass kidnapping reportedly occurred during an attack on a mosque.
- When
- The attack occurred last week, and the presidency announced its response on Tuesday, August 25.
- Where
- Borgu district in Niger State, north-central Nigeria; some people reportedly fled to Benin Republic.
- Why
- Tinubu ordered the operation to rescue the abductees, account for those taken and bring the attackers to justice.
Official Response
Security Criticism
Government action
Official Response
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, ordered an immediate rescue operation and pledged that those responsible would face justice.
Security Criticism
Security experts said the kidnapping demonstrated that armed groups can operate with little restriction and move through remote or cross-border areas.
Scale of the kidnapping
Official Response
Niger State authorities said they were still verifying the number of missing people and cautioned against speculation.
Security Criticism
Residents said a video showed about 600 abductees, a figure that, if confirmed, would make the incident one of Nigeria’s largest mass kidnappings in recent years.
Security conditions
Official Response
The government said it would defend communities, protect residents and account for everyone taken.
Security Criticism
Experts described the incident as a significant security failure, saying the attack’s broad daylight execution showed ineffective security operations.
- Reported location
- Borgu district, Niger State, north-central Nigeria
- Reported abductees
- Residents said about 600 women, children and older people were shown in a video
- Verification
- Reuters could not independently verify the reported figure; authorities were still checking the number of missing people
- Reported deaths
- A Borgu district official said 30 people were killed and buried on Sunday
- Reported displacement
- A community leader said at least 2,000 people fled to Benin Republic
- Government response
- President Bola Tinubu ordered an immediate rescue operation and regular security updates
- Broader context
- Mass abductions for ransom are common in parts of northwestern and north-central Nigeria