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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a nonstop, round-the-clock aerial operation over forests in Kwara, Kebbi and parts of Niger State as part of efforts to curb rising kidnappings and attacks in the region.
The President’s media aide, Sunday Dare, announced the directive on Tuesday, saying Tinubu has asked the Nigerian Air Force to expand surveillance “into the deepest parts of the forests” where armed groups are believed to be hiding.
He also revealed the Air Force is also to work closely with ground troops already carrying out rescue and counter-terrorism missions.
The order follows a string of recent incidents, including the mass abduction of worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and coordinated attacks in Kebbi and Niger.
Although some victims have been rescued, security agencies believe more people are still being held in remote forest camps.
Dare said Tinubu has ordered security commanders to adopt an “all-out, no-retreat” approach until the networks behind the attacks are dismantled and every abducted person is found.
Communities in the affected states have also been urged to share timely information that could support the intensified operations.
In Kwara, the terror group Mahmuda has intensified attacks around Kainji Lake, targeting villages and churches.
Eruku village saw 38 worshippers taken hostage, while in Kemanji, over 15 vigilantes were reportedly killed. ACLED data shows 177 kidnapping incidents and at least 207 killings in Kwara during the first ten months of 2025.
In Niger State, on 21 November, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, abducting over 300 students and teachers. Later, 50 students escaped.
The UN condemned the abduction and criticized the reopening of schools amid known security risks, while Human Rights Watch called for urgent measures to protect students and secure the remaining hostages.
