National Security: Tinubu Cancels G20 Trip, Monitors Rescue Operations Nationwide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he is closely monitoring the security situation across the country, assuring Nigerians of his commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives.

The President made the statement while reacting to the release of the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Bandits had attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, on Tuesday, kidnapping several members of the congregation.

In a post on his X handle, Tinubu recalled his decision to cancel his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa in order to coordinate national security efforts. He vowed that under his leadership, Nigeria would be secured.

“Under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he said.

Tinubu commended the security agencies for their efforts in rescuing all 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State. He also broke his silence on the mass abduction at a Catholic school in Niger State  an incident neither he nor the Presidency had previously addressed.

The Federal Government had recently shut down 41 Unity Colleges while at least five states closed their schools due to heightened insecurity. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised the situation and called on the President to resign if he felt overwhelmed.

Responding on Sunday, Tinubu assured citizens that he remained fully engaged with the situation.

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline. 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.”

He added: “Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. I am equally happy that 51 of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State have been recovered.”

The President reiterated that his administration will continue to intensify security operations across the country.