UPDATE - Pregnant woman, children among 11 kidnapped in Nigeria's Kwara State

​​​​​​​ADDS PRESIDENT TINUBU'S SECURITY CONDON, 24 HRS SURVEILLANCE IN FORESTS

By Kabir Adeniyi

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) – Armed bandits have struck again in Kwara State, north-central Nigeria, abducting at least 11 people, including a pregnant woman and several children, from the Isapa community in Ekiti Local Government Area.

Police confirmed to Anadolu on Tuesday that the attack took place late Monday, with an estimated 30 armed men storming the town, firing sporadically and leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.

The gunmen abducted 11 people and fled through the forest paths that connected Eruku to neighboring communities.

Kwara State Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo confirmed the attack, telling Anadolu over the phone, "Yes, there was an incident. I'm about to enter Isapa from Ilorin."

The incident occurred just 24 hours after 38 people abducted during a church service were released on Sunday.

Last Thursday, unknown bandits kidnapped them during a Thanksgiving service at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, after killing three people and injuring several others.

The latest terror attack has heightened tensions in Isapa and surrounding settlements, with security forces and local vigilante groups stepping up efforts to find the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

Earlier on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu's special adviser on information and strategy, said the US has pledged to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism following meetings last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials in Washington, DC.

During the engagements, the Nigerian delegation denied allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing that violent attacks affect families and communities of all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

President Donald Trump had threatened to send US forces into Nigeria with "guns-a-blazing" if the continent's most populous country did not stop what he called terrorist killings of Christians.

Trump also designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" due to Christian killings, describing the situation as a "mass slaughter."

However, Nigerian authorities denied claims of genocide against Christians, stating that the country remains committed to religious freedom and tolerance.

President Tinubu has ordered a full security cordon over the forests in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states in response to recent kidnappings and terror activities.

The development was disclosed Tuesday by Sunday Dare, a media aide to the president.

"President Tinubu has ordered total security cordon over the forests in Kwara state following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities. President Tinubu directed the airforce to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara state where it is believed the terrorists are hiding," said Dare.

"They are to maintain a 24 hour surveillance and link up with the booths on the ground. This order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis where many are expected to be rescued."

"Communities are also urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aide the work of the security forces," he added.