Intensified Security Push After Late-Night Villa Meeting

President Bola Tinubu held a late-night meeting on Friday with the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Adeola Ajayi, as the federal government races to confront the surge in student kidnappings sweeping across several states.

Images released after the closed-door session showed the DSS chief in the President’s office, where he reportedly delivered an extensive security briefing. Though no official statement followed, a senior government source revealed that the conversation focused on coordinated operations and renewed strategies to locate the abductors and safely recover the victims.

FG Plans New Joint Task Force

According to the source, the federal government is finalising plans for a new joint task force made up of operatives from the military, police, DSS, and other security agencies. The unit is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering, expand surveillance capacities, and improve rapid-response operations in the most affected states.

The move comes as insecurity intensifies across the North-West and North-Central regions.

Recent Waves of Abductions Intensify Pressure

Earlier in the week, armed men attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting at least 26 students and killing two residents during the assault.

Days later, a more devastating raid hit St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State. Over 303 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped — one of the largest school abductions recorded this year.

In a separate incident in Eruku, Kwara State, worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church were ambushed, leaving two people dead and 38 kidnapped.

Presidency Orders On-Ground Action

Amid mounting public fear, President Tinubu instructed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State and remain there until meaningful progress is made in locating the missing students. The President has reportedly been receiving round-the-clock updates from service chiefs and intelligence agencies.

A presidency insider said the meeting with the DSS DG signals the start of a strengthened rescue operation. The upcoming task force will reportedly operate across multiple states at once to prevent delays and ensure that “the window to rescue the children alive is not wasted.”

When asked about the task-force plan, the President’s media adviser said only that “it is possible,” offering no further clarification.

States Boost Patrols and Community Engagement

Security formations in affected states have increased patrols, expanded surveillance, and stepped up community engagement efforts. Local authorities have also been directed to support federal operations with intelligence and logistics.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently visited Kebbi State, where he met with community leaders and families of the abducted girls. He assured them that the government will not relent until every child is safely reunited with their families.