Nigeria witnessed a mix of relief and anxiety on Monday as security forces rescued dozens of people kidnapped in recent attacks across Kwara and Niger States. While families celebrated the return of 38 abducted worshippers from Eruku and 51 students from St Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary School in Niger, concern grew over the fate of 13 teachers still held by their captors.

Renewed Security Operations Bring Results

According to updates shared by President Bola Tinubu on his official X account, the rescued worshippers and students were freed following coordinated operations involving military, police, and intelligence units. The two groups were abducted during separate attacks by suspected bandits last week, a pattern that has become increasingly common in rural communities.

Tinubu said he was closely tracking security developments nationwide, adding that the government would intensify efforts to restore normalcy. He stated that every citizen, regardless of location, deserves to live without fear.

“This government will secure this nation and protect our people,” the president said. “Every Nigerian in every state has the right to safety. I will not relent.”

According to Punch and other national outlets, the president had cancelled his planned trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to oversee the operations.

Teachers Still Missing

While the release of the students lifted spirits in Niger State, families of the kidnapped teachers continued to wait for news. The teachers were taken alongside the children during the attack in Papiri town, and security sources told reporters that efforts to locate them were ongoing.

Local residents expressed mixed emotions. A community leader in Papiri told journalists that parents were “grateful but deeply worried,” adding that the rescue operation must not end until all victims return home.

Security analysts interviewed by THISDAY noted that kidnappers often retain adults to increase ransom pressure, making rescue efforts more complex and dangerous.

Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs

Shortly after announcing the rescues, President Tinubu held a high-level meeting at the State House in Abuja with the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Tinubu said the government was taking new steps to stabilise affected areas and deny criminal groups the ability to operate freely. He promised that those threatening the country’s territorial integrity would face the full weight of Nigerian law.

“I am receiving continuous briefings and have directed our security services to act with speed and precision,” he said. “Nigeria will prevail.”

Police Withdrawn from VIP Duties

In a significant policy shift, the president ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to Very Important Persons. According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, these officers will be redeployed to core policing functions, especially in underserved communities.

Under the new arrangement, VIPs who still require personal protection will need to obtain armed escorts from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Security experts have long argued that VIP protection consumes a large share of police manpower. Many rural stations operate with fewer than ten officers, limiting response time during attacks.

Boosting Police Capacity

To address manpower shortages, Tinubu approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also working with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Retired security consultant Kabir Olanipekun told reporters that the federal government must go beyond rescue missions and dismantle the networks enabling such attacks.

“Nigeria needs to expose the masterminds and financiers behind these criminal groups,” he said. “Rescues are good, but prevention is what will restore confidence.”

A Country Caught Between Relief and Uncertainty

Even as families in Kwara and Niger State reunite with their loved ones, the unresolved fate of the 13 teachers highlights how fragile the security situation remains. Many communities continue to demand stronger action, more surveillance, and consistent government presence.

For now, Nigerians are watching closely, waiting to see whether the fresh directives and intensified operations will bring sustained peace or simply temporary relief.