Tinubu Orders 24-Hour Aerial Surveillance in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger

ABUJA — Following a recent surge in kidnappings and terrorist activities, President Bola Tinubu has directed the establishment of a 24-hour security cordon around forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states to complement ground operations.

The order comes after over 20 people—including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers, and children—were abducted Monday evening in Isapa, a community about five kilometers from Eruku in Kwara State.

Meanwhile, a cleric and a traditional ruler in Nasarawa State have raised concerns over killings and injuries in local communities. Parents of kidnapped students in Kebbi and Niger states have appealed to the federal government for their children’s rescue. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) also threatened to withdraw teachers from classrooms unless their safety is guaranteed and demanded the release of those currently in captivity.

The United Nations called on the government to curb kidnappings and prosecute perpetrators to end the growing menace. The Presidency clarified why security forces had not yet targeted bandits’ hideouts.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated that President Tinubu has instructed the Nigerian Air Force to step up aerial surveillance over remote forest areas believed to shelter criminals. The operation will run continuously, with air units coordinating closely with ground troops.

Dare added that the directive covers all regions where joint operations are planned to facilitate the rescue of kidnapped victims. Communities in the affected areas have also been urged to provide timely intelligence on suspicious activities to aid security efforts.

The move comes amid escalating kidnappings and violent raids in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states, highlighting the growing influence of criminal networks exploiting remote forests and ungoverned territories.

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