President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive security cordon over forests in Kwara State, following a spike in kidnappings and terrorist activities. The directive also extends to forested corridors in Niger and Kebbi States, where several mass abductions occurred in the past week.
The President instructed the Nigerian Air Force to intensify and expand air surveillance across the deepest parts of these forests, believed to be hideouts for terrorist groups. The order includes maintaining uninterrupted 24-hour aerial patrols, synchronized with ground operations already underway.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, disclosed the directive on Tuesday via his official X handle. He added that communities across the affected states are urged to provide timely information on suspicious activities to support security agencies.
Wave of Mass Kidnappings
The renewed security measures come after a disturbing resurgence of mass abductions:
- Niger State: Terrorists attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, abducting more than 300 students and staff. While at least 50 victims escaped, over 265 students and teachers remain in captivity.
- Kebbi State: 25 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
- Kwara State: 38 worshippers were kidnapped from a church in Eruku.
These incidents echo Nigeria’s long-running security crisis marked by jihadist attacks and widespread banditry involving village raids, killings, and kidnappings for ransom.
Historical Context
Nigeria’s first major, globally recognized mass kidnapping occurred in 2014, when Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State. More than a decade later, about 90 of those girls remain missing, underscoring the country’s persistent struggle against armed groups.
President Tinubu’s latest directive seeks to prevent further mass abductions, ensure the speedy rescue of remaining captives, and restore public confidence in security operations across the region.
