{
  "id": 3516032,
  "title": "Nigeria launches manhunt after kidnappers release video showing hundreds abducted from mosque",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/nigeria-launches-manhunt-after-kidnappers-release-video-showing",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T12:53:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/africa/nigeria-launches-manhunt/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has launched a manhunt in response to a series of mass kidnappings and the release of videos showing hundreds of people abducted from mosques in remote villages. Armed attackers, dressed in military-style attire, carried out coordinated raids across several communities in Niger State on Friday during Friday prayers. Estimates suggest that between 500 and 600 people, including women, children, and the elderly, may have been abducted. Some survivors took refuge in neighboring states or crossed into Benin, while others received medical attention for their injuries.\n\nFollowing the coordinated attacks, a video surfaced on social media showing hundreds of captives seated in a dense forest, guarded by armed men. The footage, which included crying children, featured a gunman speaking in Hausa to families, identifying them and urging them to recognize their missing loved ones. Local residents confirmed the identities of several residents based on the video, with one man identifying 13 individuals.\n\nNigerian President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks, ordering a swift manhunt for the perpetrators. His spokesman emphasized that those responsible are enemies of peace and humanity and will not escape justice. Security agencies and officials are assessing the situation and coordinating rescue efforts. The incident highlights a broader security crisis in northwestern and north-central Nigeria, with armed groups expanding their operations southward ahead of national elections. The crisis is part of a larger security challenge across Africa, with cross-border criminal networks and banditry posing significant threats. Regional analysts stress the need for synchronized intelligence sharing and community-defense frameworks to address these issues.",
  "summary": "By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate manhunt following a wave of mass kidnappings and the online release of forest captivity videos. Armed attackers dressed in military-style clothing launched coordinated raids last Friday across remote villages in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State. The assailants simultaneously targeted…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}