Tinubu Confirms Rescue of Kwara Worshippers and Niger Students, Vows Not to Relent on National Security

Published by Naijajistreal96 

In a powerful message addressed to the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm reassurance to Nigerians regarding the country’s worsening security challenges. The President, who maintained that safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens remains his top priority, revealed that he had cancelled his attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa in order to coordinate urgent security interventions back home.

The decision, according to him, became necessary as several states battled rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and attacks on vulnerable communities. But within just a few days of heightened operations, security agencies achieved major breakthroughs that offered a glimmer of hope to many Nigerians who have been living in fear.

President Tinubu confirmed that all 38 abducted worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Kwara State, have now been successfully rescued. The attack, which sent shockwaves across the country, had left many Nigerians in anguish as families waited anxiously for updates. The President described the rescue as proof that Nigeria’s security forces, when fully mobilized and properly coordinated, are capable of taking decisive action against criminal groups that threaten national peace.

In addition to the Kwara rescue, the President expressed relief that 51 missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State have also been recovered from their captors. The kidnapping of schoolchildren in northern Nigeria has remained a heartbreaking and recurring tragedy for years, with parents constantly living under the threat of losing their children to terrorists and bandits. Tinubu emphasized that the recovery of these students represents a renewed commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe zones—not battlegrounds.

The President revealed that he has been receiving continuous, real-time updates from the frontline as security forces intensify nationwide operations. According to him, he remains hands-on and deeply involved in coordinating responses to the threats facing the country. His message was direct, resolute, and meant to leave no room for doubt: “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.”

These words echoed strongly across social media platforms and among political observers, many of whom believe the President is under increasing pressure to deliver meaningful improvements in national security. Over the years, kidnapping for ransom, rural attacks, insurgency, and growing criminal networks have severely tested the Nigerian state, pushing citizens to the brink of hopelessness. But Tinubu’s latest statement is being interpreted as a renewed indication that the government is treating security as a matter of urgent national importance rather than political rhetoric.

What stands out the most in this message is the President’s decision to forgo an important global summit—one that typically draws world leaders and economic partners—just to remain at home and address the escalating security concerns. This gesture is already being praised by some Nigerians as a responsible move, demonstrating that leadership begins at home, especially during times of crisis.

The rescue operations in Kwara and Niger States have also reignited conversations about the capabilities and challenges of Nigeria’s security architecture. Many Nigerians argue that when government takes a firm stance and gives clear directives, these forces can achieve significant victories. Others maintain that the rescued victims represent only a small portion of the larger problem, as numerous abductions and violent attacks continue to occur across the country.

Still, there is no denying the fact that the successful recoveries are wins for the families involved and a much-needed moment of national relief. For the families of the 38 worshippers in Kwara, the last several days have been filled with uncertainty, sleepless nights, and endless prayers. Their joy today is immeasurable. The same can be said for the parents of the 51 students in Niger State, whose children have been reunited with them after what must have been a terrifying ordeal.

Security analysts note that the President’s emphasis on “not relenting” is crucial, as many Nigerians remain skeptical due to years of repeated government promises that failed to produce lasting change. What citizens are demanding now are consistent results, sustained pressure on criminal syndicates, well-equipped security forces, and long-term reforms that address the root causes of insecurity—from poverty and unemployment to porous borders and intelligence gaps.

The President’s pledge to “secure this nation and protect our people” is a commitment that will require not just successful rescue operations, but a strategic and coordinated approach involving military action, community policing, technology-driven surveillance, judicial reforms, and stronger collaboration among security agencies. The nation is watching closely to see whether this new resolve will translate into lasting improvements or whether it will join the long list of unfulfilled promises made by successive administrations.

For now, Nigerians are hopeful. The rescue of 38 worshippers and 51 students, within days of intensified efforts, provides a glimpse of what is possible when national security truly becomes a government priority. The President’s refusal to travel to the G20 Summit sends a message that Nigeria’s safety cannot be outsourced or postponed.

As the country continues to grapple with daily threats from insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and violent groups, this moment may represent a turning point—if the momentum is sustained. Nigerians across all states are yearning for a future where traveling across highways is safe, where worshipping in church or mosque does not require fear, and where sending children to school does not feel like taking a risk.

President Tinubu’s message is not just an update; it is a promise. A promise that the nation’s leader is aware of the pain many citizens are going through and is willing to act decisively to restore peace. The coming weeks and months will reveal whether this commitment will evolve into long-term stability or remain a short-lived victory.

For now, Nigerians hold onto hope—and hope is something the nation desperately needs.