Nigeria police warn rushed rescue could endanger kidnap victims

Nigerian police have warned that rushing the rescue operation for people abducted in Niger State could put the victims' lives at greater risk, as security agencies intensify efforts to locate and free them.

The warning follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's order for the military, police and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated operation after armed men abducted worshippers and other residents in the north-central state.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show around 600 women, children and elderly people being held in a forest. Reuters said it could not independently verify the number of captives.

Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said security agencies were analyzing intelligence and working with affected families and communities to develop an operation that would secure the victims' safe release.

"Timeliness is not our priority; our priority is to rescue the victims alive," Abiodun said, stressing that the operation would be guided by intelligence and careful assessment rather than haste.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed Assistant Inspector-General Victor Olaiya to coordinate the operation.

Additional tactical personnel, including counter-terrorism and explosive ordnance units, have also been deployed, according to police.

The security response has been complicated by the vast size and difficult terrain of Niger State, particularly Borgu Local Government Area, where the abductions occurred.

Mass kidnapping highlights Nigeria's security crisis

The abductions followed attacks on communities in Niger State, including an assault on a mosque during Friday prayers. Local authorities have said the exact number of people abducted is still being verified.

Tinubu ordered security agencies to provide regular updates on the rescue operation and vowed that those responsible for the attacks would be brought to justice.

The latest incident underscores the scale of Nigeria's kidnapping crisis. A recent SBM Intelligence report cited by Reuters found that 7,825 people were kidnapped between July 2025 and June 2026, while kidnappers collected an estimated $5.79 million in ransom payments.

Authorities are now under pressure to secure the release of the Niger State captives while avoiding an operation that could trigger retaliation by the kidnappers or endanger those being held.

The police say the priority remains clear: bring the victims home alive.