Nigeria's president orders manhunt after kidnappers upload victim video

The kidnappers uploaded a video showing some of those they shared they had abducted Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has ordered a manhunt for armed kidnappers who launched deadly attacks on four villages in a remote part of Niger state last Friday. Local residents informed the BBC several mosques were simultaneously targeted during prayers.

A local youth leader says as many as 500 people may have been abducted, though this has not been verified.

The president's orders came after the kidnappers posted a video on social media of what they shared were those abducted last week sitting in a forest. The authorities had previously suspected the attackers were bandits - criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and looting for ransom across parts of Nigeria. No ransom demands have been reported.

For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Core Findings and Detailed Timeline

The kidnap gangs, jihadists and separatists wreaking havoc in Nigeria The gunmen, reportedly dressed in military-style clothing, attacked the villages of Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka. Law enforcement personnel officers officers spokesman Wasiu Abiodun informed the BBC that more than 40 people were killed, but the exact number of deaths had not been confirmed.

Looking at the footage released on social media, the local youth leader, who requested not to be named, shared he recognised several individuals from his community.

"I was able to identify many people. There is an elderly man in the video who is like a grandfather to us," he shared. "He lives in Gidan Zana village." He shared families who had spotted relatives in the video were relieved to know they were still alive.

Read More: Lockerbie bombing trial postponed days before it was due to start

"At least they know where their loved ones are and hope they may be rescued, unlike those who still have no information about missing relatives," he added. A local blogger familiar with the area informed the BBC that many residents had fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighbouring states or across the border in Benin.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

Some survivors are receiving medical facility treatment, including people with serious injuries. A local official also informed the BBC that the attackers planted improvised explosive devices in parts of the affected communities as they led abductees into the forest. He shared a teenage boy was killed when an explosive detonated as he tried to escape.

In a statement released "Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free," the statement shared. The president also expressed his condolences to the families of those killed.

Earlier this month, law enforcement personnel officers shared 145 people had been rescued after being abducted from four other villages in the area.

Local authorities have also raised concerns about the growing presence of jihadist groups operating in parts of north-western Nigeria and along the border region, saying some fighters have recently entered communities and imposed religious restrictions on residents. Additional reporting 'They sent a letter asking to preach.

Then they massacred us' - Nigerians on jihadist attack Dozens of Muslims 'massacred' in Nigeria for refusing to join jihadists, says governor Inside story of a Nigerian ransom negotiator Go to BBCAfrica.com , external for more news from the African continent.