Following waves of mass abduction by terrorists in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States, President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive security cordon around forests in the region.
Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, announced the presidential directive on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 via his X handle in which he also stated that the directive included an expansion of Nigerian Air Force surveillance operations deep into forest areas believed to be hideouts for the terrorists.
Dare said that the Air Force is to maintain a round-the-clock aerial surveillance to further reinforce ground troops already deployed across the affected states.
The presidential aide said the order is aimed at speeding up rescue efforts for the large number of abducted persons still in captivity.
Dare also said that communities across the affected states have been tasked to provide prompt and credible information on suspicious movements to aid the operations of security agencies.
The renewed military action followed series of coordinated attacks carried out by terrorists at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State where over 335b pupils, students and staff were abducted.
Before the Niger State incident, a similar attack took place in a Female school in Kebbi State which witnessed the abduction of 25 schoolgirls taken from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
Similarly, terrorists stormed Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku in Kwara State and kidnapped 38 worshippers that were eventually released on Sunday.
