abduct

"The police helicopter has arrived for land and air battle to free the abducted worshippers," Fanwo told AFP.

Mr Dare also reiterated President Bola Tinubu's promise to ensure the remaining abductees would be rescued, but failed to give assurances on how long it would take.

A group of 24 Nigerian girls who were abducted from their boarding school over a week ago have been released, the country's president said.

He posted on social media on Sunday that all the 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara state had been rescued.

Calling for the release of the abductees, Pope Leo XIV expressed "immense sadness" and urged the authorities to act swiftly.