Nigeria’s President Launches National Manhunt After Kidnappers Post Victim Video

In a swift response to a brutal attack on four villages in Niger state, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a nationwide search for the armed men responsible for the killings and abductions.

The assault, carried out on Friday, involved simultaneous raids on the villages of Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka, where there was mass killing of more than 40 residents. Local accounts place the number of people taken by the gunmen at up to 500, though the figure remains unverified.

Screenshot of the abduction video posted by the kidnappers. Image source: Reuters

The footage, shared on social media, depicted alleged victims sitting in a forest. A local youth leader, who requested anonymity, identified several people as relatives of abducted community members, providing a small measure of relief for families waiting for news on their loved ones.

President Tinubu immediately condemned the killings and abductions and pledged that those responsible would be pursued “until justice is served.” He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

Bordered by Kebbi and Kwara states and close to Benin, the Borgu region has seen an uptick in attacks by bandits and jihadist groups. Earlier this month, police rescued 145 captives from four different villages in this area, yet the latest assault demonstrates worsening insecurity.

The Nigerian military and police units are currently searching for the missing individuals, while community members flee towards neighboring states and across the border. In one village, a teenage boy was killed by an improvised explosive device set by the attackers during the abduction.

The incident illustrates the increasing danger posed by armed groups in the region and the urgent need for coordinated security responses to protect civilian populations.

Follow the story on Reuters for the latest updates.