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308 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states have been rescued in a joint operation by security agencies. President Bola Tinubu welcomed the rescue, calling it the largest single-day rescue exercise ever carried out by security agencies in Nigeria.
And while speaking on the matter, President Tinubu commended the efforts of the security agencies involved, describing it as the largest single-day rescue operation. He directed an immediate strengthening of early warning mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.
The operation involved the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, personnel from the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, and the Police Force. 163 of the rescued abductees were from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 were taken in a separate attack in Niger State.
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State. Upon arrival at a medical facility within Wawa Cantonment, they are receiving first aid and essential medical care.
Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Nigerian military. She added that the Kwara State Government had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the rescue of the abducted persons.
The commissioner revealed that the government chose to keep the operation confidential to avoid jeopardising the rescue mission. She expressed appreciation to the President and the military for their efforts in securing the release of the victims.
And in a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the victims will receive comprehensive care and reunification with their families upon completion of their medical evaluations.
While celebrating the rescue, President Tinubu stressed the need to strengthen the country’s broader security infrastructure to prevent similar mass abductions in the future. He directed security agencies to reinforce early warning mechanisms and enhance community-level intelligence gathering.
Kwara State Government Reveals Details of Rescue Operation The Kwara State Government explained that it relied on sustained behind-the-scenes efforts and strategic coordination with security agencies to secure the release of 176 residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area.
It said details of the operation were kept confidential to avoid jeopardising the rescue mission. The government clarified that the victims, who were abducted during the deadly February 3, 2026, terrorist attack on the two communities, had regained their freedom after months in captivity.
Kainji Lake National Park Forest
- A Hideout for Armed Groups
The mass abductions in Kwara and Niger states form part of a pattern of large-scale kidnappings that have plagued the North-Central region in recent years.
Armed groups continue to exploit the dense forest cover of areas such as the Kainji Lake National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest game reserves, straddling Niger and Kwara states, as hideouts from which to launch raids on rural communities and hold captives for extended periods.
The North-Central region has been plagued by large-scale kidnappings in recent years, with armed groups exploiting the dense forest cover of areas such as the Kainji Lake National Park.
A recent example is the rescue of at least 39 Oriire schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity. In early July, security forces rescued the schoolchildren and teachers, bringing an end to their ordeal.
The rescue brings an end to the ordeal of the 39 Oriire schoolchildren and teachers, who were kidnapped in Oyo State in early July.
"The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services."
President Tinubu said in a statement, reacting to the rescue of the 308 abductees. He commended the efforts of the security agencies involved and directed the strengthening of early warning mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.
President Tinubu welcomed the rescue of the 308 abductees, describing it as the largest single-day rescue exercise ever carried out by security agencies in Nigeria. He commended the efforts of the security agencies and directed the strengthening of early warning mechanisms.