Nigeria: 600 people kidnapped by gunmen into forests

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu ordered the army and police to launch a rescue operation, four days after gunmen raided mosques in Niger State and kidnapped about 600 worshippers. In a video released by the kidnappers, the captives are seen in a forest. The identity of the attackers is not yet clear; survivors identified them as jihadists linked to ISIS.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu ordered the army, police, and security agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation on Tuesday, four days after gunmen wearing military uniforms raided mosques during Friday prayers in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, and kidnapped hundreds of worshippers. According to residents, about 600 people were taken. The gunmen attacked four villages. In a video released by the kidnappers on Sunday, many people are seen sitting in a forest with armed men around them. One of the gunmen addressed families in the Hausa language. The identity of the attackers is unclear; survivors told AFP it is a local jihadist organization linked to ISIS. President Tinubu condemned the killings and kidnappings. The head of the attacked village said at least 2,000 residents fled to a building. Mass kidnappings have become a common phenomenon in northern Nigeria.

Nigeria: 600 people kidnapped by gunmen into forests