Tinubu Orders Full Security Cordon, 24-Hour Air Surveillance Over Kwara Forests

• President Bola Tinubu has directed a total security cordon and continuous air surveillance over forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States following a wave of mass abductions.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive security cordon over forests in Kwara State and expanded air surveillance in areas believed to harbor terrorists, following a surge in mass abductions and attacks.

The directive, disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday, also covers strategic zones in Kebbi and Niger States, where authorities are working to rescue abducted citizens.

“Communities are urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aid the work of the security forces,” Dare said, emphasizing the importance of civilian cooperation alongside the 24-hour air surveillance complementing boots on the ground.

Recent Attacks Spark Emergency Measures

The security escalation comes after a series of violent incidents:

• Over 300 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
• 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
• 38 worshippers were seized from a church in Eruku, Kwara State.

At least 50 victims from the St. Mary’s Catholic school attack have escaped, but more than 265 children and teachers remain in captivity.

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A Persistent National Security Challenge

Nigeria’s mass kidnapping crisis is not new. The first high-profile case occurred in 2014, when Boko Haram abducted 276 Chibok schoolgirls; over a decade later, about 90 of them are still missing.

The country continues to grapple with a dual security threat from jihadist insurgents and criminal “bandit” gangs who raid villages, kill residents, and kidnap for ransom.

President Tinubu’s directives aim to curb these attacks by tightening forest access, increasing aerial monitoring, and ensuring a coordinated response to protect vulnerable communities.