Nigeria has been placed on its highest security alert following two violent incidents that have shaken the country: the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the armed attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the directive in Abuja, stressing that President Bola Tinubu had ordered sweeping deployments and was suspending foreign travel to focus squarely on domestic security.

Idris conveyed Tinubu’s sympathies to affected families, reaffirming his “unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.”

President Suspends Foreign Trips, Orders Reinforcements

Tinubu was scheduled to leave Abuja for Johannesburg to attend the 20th G20 Summit and then proceed to Luanda for the AU‑EU Summit. Instead, he postponed both trips, delegating Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria abroad.

“Let it be known that President Tinubu has put our nation’s security apparatuses on the highest alert ever, and has deployed to actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria,” Idris told reporters.

“Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls and reunite them with their families.”

The Presidency confirmed that Tinubu had ordered additional personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, following appeals from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President directed police units to hunt down the bandits responsible for the church attack.

Idris described the killing of Brigadier‑General Musa Uba, the abduction of female students in Kebbi, and the assault in Eruku as “painful reminders of the threats confronting the nation.”

He insisted such acts only strengthened the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry.

Shettima In Kebbi: “Kebbi’s Pain Is Nigeria’s Pain”

Vice President Shettima travelled to Birnin Kebbi on Tinubu’s instruction to meet Governor Mohammed Idris, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and families of the abducted schoolgirls.

He extended Tinubu’s condolences and assured parents that the rescue of their daughters was a national priority.

“Kebbi’s pain is Nigeria’s pain. When one child is taken, every home in this nation grieves. When girls in the safety of their classroom are seized by criminals, our collective conscience is assaulted,” Shettima said.

“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this tragedy. He shares your anguish, and he has sent me to assure you that this is not a moment for politics. Our priority is singular and unflinching: our daughters must return home safely.”

Shettima vowed that the government would deploy “every instrument of the state” to rescue the schoolchildren and ensure their abductors faced justice.

He also honored the sacrifice of Brigadier‑General Uba, saying, “His sacrifice will never be forgotten. When a soldier gives his life in defense of this nation, a part of our collective soul is touched. We will honor him, his family, and all who pay the supreme price in service to Nigeria.”

The Vice President praised Kebbi’s governor, community leaders, vigilante groups, and civil society partners for rallying together.

“Your cooperation, your vigilance, and your unity are indispensable to the search for our girls and to the safety of our communities,” he said.

National Unity And Security Forces Commended

Idris urged Nigerians to resist sectarian interpretations of the crisis. “In this critical moment, national unity is our most powerful asset. We must reject misinformation and division. Our common enemies are terrorists and criminals seeking to destabilise our country,” he said.

Shettima commended the gallant officers of the armed forces, police, DSS, NSCDC, and paramilitary agencies.

“Your courage, your tirelessness, and your sacrifices often unseen and unsung remain the backbone of our nation’s security. You stand on the frontlines so that the rest of us may sleep with hope. The nation appreciates you,” he said.

Governor Idris of Kebbi thanked Tinubu for his concern and assured that with federal support, the girls would be rescued.

“We, in Kebbi, are most touched by the show of concern and deepened actions being taken to rescue our girls. I am optimistic that they will be rescued. It is a painful experience, but we also will ensure that we put all in place to avert any future occurrence,” he said.

The meeting in Birnin Kebbi drew senior figures including APC National Chairman Professor Nantawe Yitwada, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Tafida, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Iman Suleiman Ibrahim.

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