kwara-kidnappings-tinubu-orders-air-surveillance orders aerial and ground operations after fresh Kwara kidnappings, urging communities to provide intelligence for safe rescues
KWARA STATE, Nigeria, 26 November 2025 — President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Air Force to intensify aerial surveillance over forests in Kwara State following the abduction of over 20 people, including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers and children, in a fresh attack on Isapa community.
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The directive, announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, will see round-the-clock aerial operations coordinated with ground troops to facilitate the safe rescue of kidnapped victims.
Communities have been urged to provide timely intelligence on suspicious movements to aid security forces.
The latest attack occurred Monday evening in Isapa, about five kilometres from Eruku, where three people were killed in a church a week earlier and 38 abductees were recently freed.
The gunmen, reportedly armed with AK-47s, stormed homes, abducting residents indiscriminately, leaving behind bullet holes and spent cartridges.
Among those kidnapped were Talatu Kabiru, Magaji (6), Kande (5), Hadiza (10), Mariam (6), Saima (5), two housewives, a pregnant woman, and two nursing mothers. Local sources said the bandits initially targeted a businessman previously abducted but took everyone present when he was absent.
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced the formation of a cabinet-level security committee led by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi to develop a state-specific strategy.
The committee includes traditional rulers, security advisers, and representatives from the three senatorial districts, and will submit its report within four weeks.
In neighbouring Kebbi State, Governor Dr Nasir Idris received 25 schoolgirls rescued from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, confirming no ransom was paid. President Tinubu also welcomed their release, urging continued efforts to rescue students still in captivity.
Meanwhile, a cleric and traditional ruler in Nasarawa State decried attacks on communities by armed herders, highlighting the killing, maiming and destruction of crops in Agboda and Mararaba Udege.
Parents of abducted pupils in Niger State pleaded for urgent government action to rescue over 265 children and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) threatened to withdraw educators from classrooms unless their safety is guaranteed, describing the wave of abductions as a national emergency threatening education.
NUT President Audu Titus Amba called for intensified rescue operations and improved school security.
The United Nations condemned the mass kidnappings, urging Nigerian authorities to halt the attacks, rescue all victims, and prosecute perpetrators.
Addressing security constraints, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga explained that while locations of bandit camps are known, military strikes are limited by the risk of civilian casualties.
Non-kinetic approaches, including negotiations and real-time tracking, were used to secure the release of 38 abductees in Eruku without casualties.
Onanuga emphasised the need for careful coordination, noting that storming bandits’ hideouts could have endangered hostages used as human shields.
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He also highlighted challenges in Niger State, where verification of abducted students is complicated by incomplete records and uncooperative school officials.
