Tinubu Reaffirms Unwavering Commitment to National Security as Abducted Worshippers, Students Regain Freedom

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s firm resolve to combat insecurity across Nigeria, stressing that he will not relent until every citizen is safe.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, the President emphasized that security remains a top priority, declaring that all Nigerians—regardless of location—deserve full protection.

“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” Tinubu said.

The President also recalled his decision to cancel his trip to the G20 Summit scheduled for November 22 and 23 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Instead, he delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent the country, choosing to remain at home to personally coordinate intensified security operations.

These efforts followed two major incidents: the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State last Monday and the kidnapping of church worshippers in Kwara State.

Providing an update, Tinubu announced that all 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State, have been successfully rescued. He further revealed that 51 of the over 300 children kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State have regained their freedom.

The President commended the security agencies for their swift and coordinated response, noting that he has been “closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.”

He also reiterated previous directives, including ordering security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue missions and strengthen preventive deployments in affected regions. Last Thursday, Tinubu instructed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee operations aimed at rescuing the abducted schoolgirls.

The President reassured Nigerians that his administration will continue to apply every necessary measure to restore peace, stability, and safety nationwide.