Kidnappers release video showing hundreds abducted from Nigerian mosque
A large-scale manhunt is underway in Nigeria following the mass kidnapping of hundreds of people, including men, women, and children, from a mosque. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the military and security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation. The kidnapping is part of a larger trend of abductions in northern Nigeria, with over 7,000 people kidnapped in the past year.
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- ✓ Nigeria recorded 1,411 kidnapping incidents involving about 7,825 victims between July 2025 and June 2026.
- ✓ At least N7.78 billion was paid in ransom over the past year.
- ✓ Boko Haram accounted for more than 90% of the ransom collected.
- ✓ Kidnappers in Nigeria have collected more than $5 million in ransom payments over the past year.
What changed
The Nigerian government has launched a major manhunt for the kidnappers, with President Tinubu ordering an immediate rescue operation.
Live updates
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Nigeria launches manhunt for hundreds kidnapped from mosque
A large-scale manhunt is underway in Nigeria following the mass kidnapping of hundreds of people, including men, women, and children, from a mosque. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the military and security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation. The kidnapping is part of a larger trend of abductions in northern Nigeria, with over 7,000 people kidnapped in the past year.
Why it matters
The kidnapping highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. The country is set to hold elections in January, and President Tinubu is seeking to clamp down on the kidnapping trend. The mass abduction has exposed security failures in the region.
What is confirmed
- Nigeria recorded 1,411 kidnapping incidents involving about 7,825 victims between July 2025 and June 2026.
- At least N7.78 billion was paid in ransom over the past year.
- Boko Haram accounted for more than 90% of the ransom collected.
- Kidnappers in Nigeria have collected more than $5 million in ransom payments over the past year.
Still unconfirmed
- Some reports specify that 600 people were abducted from a mosque.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the manhunt and rescue operation
- The impact on Nigeria's elections in January
- Further updates on the number of kidnapped victims
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — Large-scale manhunt following mass abduction from mosques in Nigeria
- www.aljazeera.com — Nigeria launches hunt for hundreds of kidnapped mosque worshippers
- techrights.org — Links 26/08/2026: Patent Troll InterDigital Utilises Software Patents in Unconstitutional Court, "WikiHow Launches Copyright Infringement Suit Against" LLM Plagiarism
- apnews.com — Kidnappers in Nigeria collected more than $5 million in ransoms in a year, analysts say
- allafrica.com — Over 7,000 Kidnapped in Nigeria as Boko Haram Takes 90% of Ransom
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President Tinubu Orders Rescue of 600 Abducted from Nigerian Mosque
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the military and security agencies on Tuesday to launch an immediate rescue operation and manhunt following a mass kidnapping. The order follows the release of a video showing hundreds of captives, including men, women, and children, held by armed men in a forested area. Some reports specify that 600 people were abducted from a mosque. The operation aims to recover the victims after the footage exposed security failures in the region.
Why it matters
Mass abductions are a persistent security challenge in Nigeria. This specific incident highlights the vulnerability of religious sites to armed groups. The government's rapid response follows public visibility of the victims through uploaded footage.
What is confirmed
- President Bola Tinubu ordered a rescue operation and manhunt on Tuesday.
- Kidnappers released a video showing hundreds of people held captive in a forested area.
- The victims include men, women, and children.
Still unconfirmed
- 600 people were abducted from a mosque.
- Lakurawa terrorists were involved in storming Niger communities.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the total number of captives by Nigerian officials
- Reports on the progress of the military rescue operation
- Identification of the group responsible for the abductions
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (10)
- mynews13.com — Officials: Suspect in Ocala kidnapping dies after confrontation with deputies
- Reuters — Nigeria's president orders rescue after mass kidnapping
- Al Jazeera — Kidnappers release video showing hundreds abducted from Nigerian mosque
- The Guardian — Video shows hundreds held captive after Nigeria mosque kidnapping
- Dubawa — Video of Lakurawa terrorists storming Niger communities, misleading
- BBC — Nigeria kidnappings: President Bola Tinubu orders manhunt after victim video uploaded
- www.yahoo.com — Nigeria's president orders rescue after mass kidnapping exposes security failings
- newtelegraphng.com — Gunmen Release Video Showing 600 Abducted From Niger Mosque
- www.aljazeera.com — Nigeria launches operation to rescue 600 kidnapped victims
- www.yahoo.com — Nigeria's president orders manhunt after kidnappers upload victim video
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