Nigeria has initiated a major search operation for hundreds of mosque worshippers abducted in the north-central Niger State. The military and security agencies began the mission on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following orders from President Bola Tinubu to rescue an estimated 600 people kidnapped near Dekera village last week.

The president directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and other intelligence agencies to coordinate the rescue effort immediately. Tinubu emphasized the importance of defending communities and upholding human life, requesting regular progress updates until all abducted individuals are accounted for.

The abductions have heightened political sensitivity ahead of Nigeria's presidential election scheduled for January 2027, with security emerging as a critical campaign issue.

Abubakar Umar, head of the Dekera community, told Reuters that at least 2,000 people fled to neighboring Benin following the attacks. Recent related incidents include the rescue of dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, armed attacks killing more than 20 people in northwest Nigeria, and the rescue of 308 kidnapped citizens.

Sources