Kathmandu— Nigerian security forces have launched a large-scale hunt for hundreds of people kidnapped from mosques in the north of the country, with President Bola Tinubu directing a coordinated rescue operation. The abductions, involving approximately 600 worshippers, occurred last week around Dekera village in Niger State and come as Nigeria prepares for presidential elections in January where security is expected to be a key issue. A video circulating on social media appears to show the captives being held by armed men in a forested area, with children heard crying in the background.

Escalating Kidnappings and Presidential Response

Mass kidnappings for ransom have been increasing in northern Nigeria this year, raising political sensitivity ahead of January’s presidential election. President Tinubu announced the rescue mission on social media Tuesday, stating he had directed the Armed Forces, police, Department of State Services, and intelligence agencies to act immediately. He pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice, condemning the attack as “cowardly” and assuring affected families they were not alone.

Evidence of Captivity

On Sunday, a video surfaced on Facebook and WhatsApp depicting a large group held captive by armed men in a forested area. The footage included sounds of children crying and a gunman speaking in Hausa, requesting family members to identify their relatives. While the exact date and location remain unverified, it represents the first publicly available evidence of the mass abduction. An official from the affected district reported 30 deaths resulting from Friday’s attacks, with burials taking place on Sunday.

Regional Security Concerns

Northwest Nigeria has long been a transit point for arms and militants moving across West Africa, and is increasingly experiencing attacks by groups including Boko Haram and ISIL (ISIS). Abubakar Umar, head of the Dekera community, reported that at least 2,000 residents have fled into neighboring Benin following the attacks. Security expert Kabir Adamu noted the kidnapping’s occurrence in broad daylight highlighted the ineffectiveness of current security operations.

Government Vows to Secure Release

The Nigerian presidency has vowed to secure the release of those kidnapped and bring perpetrators to justice, with President Tinubu insisting that “terror will not cow Nigeria.” He stated he would receive regular briefings from security chiefs until all abducted individuals are accounted for. Amnesty International has also urged authorities to prioritize securing the worshippers’ safe return, warning about the growing threat of mass abductions in northern Nigeria.

The rescue operation is ongoing, with Nigerian security forces continuing their efforts to locate and free the kidnapped worshippers. The government has pledged regular updates on the progress of the mission.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.