Security Forces Secure Release of Abducted Worshippers
In a significant development for Nigeria's security landscape, 38 worshippers who were violently abducted from a branch of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in Eruku community, Kwara State, have finally regained their freedom. The breakthrough came after days of intense negotiations and security operations that captured national attention.
Governor Announces Freedom After Days of Captivity
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq officially confirmed the release in a statement issued on Sunday through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye. The Governor revealed that the victims were freed on Sunday morning, marking the end of their traumatic ordeal that began when gunmen stormed the church premises.
While the statement did not provide specific details about the circumstances surrounding their release, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed profound gratitude to security operatives and government representatives who worked tirelessly to secure the worshippers' freedom. "After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State," the Governor's statement read.
Presidential Intervention and Security Coordination
The state government specifically acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's direct involvement in the rescue operation, noting that the President "personally led the efforts" to ensure the safe return of the abductees. This hands-on approach from the nation's highest office demonstrated the administration's commitment to addressing security challenges head-on.
In a remarkable show of prioritization, President Tinubu had cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa to personally oversee security operations addressing the breaches in both Kwara and Kebbi states. The President further directed heightened security deployments to Kwara State, underscoring his administration's firm commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended appreciation to multiple security agencies that contributed to the successful operation, including: the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police.
Tinubu's Firm Commitment to National Security
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has made a strong public commitment to continue the fight against insecurity until all Nigerians are adequately protected. In a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, the Commander-in-Chief vowed that Nigeria would be secured under his watch, emphasizing that every citizen deserves the fundamental right to safety regardless of their location within the federation.
"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," President Tinubu declared in his social media post.
The President provided additional context about his security priorities, confirming that he had suspended his proposed trip to the Group of 20 summit scheduled for Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa. Instead, he delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria while he remained to coordinate domestic security efforts.
Beyond the Kwara success, President Tinubu addressed other ongoing security concerns, particularly noting the continued efforts to rescue 25 schoolgirls abducted by gunmen last Monday in Kebbi State. He commended security agencies for their swift action in the Kwara case while acknowledging that work remains to be done in other regions.
"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 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State have been recovered," the President stated, providing updates on multiple fronts of the security crisis.
The President confirmed that he is "closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline," indicating a sustained personal involvement in security matters that have seen an alarming upsurge across multiple states including Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and Borno between November 17 and November 22, 2025.
