President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s security agencies following the successful rescue of 308 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
The rescued group includes 163 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 victims who were kidnapped in Niger State.
According to official reports, the victims were freed during a coordinated intelligence-driven operation carried out in the Kainji Lake National Park forest, located in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State. The mission involved the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
Security officials described the mission as the largest single-day rescue operation conducted by the joint security team.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the security personnel for their courage, professionalism and teamwork.
He said the successful operation reflected the growing coordination among Nigeria’s security institutions and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and tackling insecurity across the country.
The President disclosed that the rescued victims were receiving first aid and medical attention at the Wawa Cantonment medical facility before being reunited with their families through their respective state governments.
Tinubu also directed security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve early-warning systems and enhance rapid-response measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The 163 Woro residents had been held captive since February 3, 2026, when armed men invaded the community.
Member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed, confirmed the victims’ release, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and security operatives for their efforts.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, also confirmed the development, describing the rescue as a significant achievement made possible through the collaboration of the Federal Government and security agencies.
Kaiama Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, revealed that the rescued victims had been taken to the Wawa Military Base. He explained that four buses were dispatched from Ilorin to transport them to Kwara State.
According to him, the victims will first be taken to Sobi Army Barracks in Ilorin, where they will undergo medical examinations and receive treatment for a few days before being reunited with their families.
Danladi said he had no information regarding whether any ransom was paid for their release. He, however, commended the Federal Government, Governor AbdulRazaq and security agencies for their sustained efforts throughout the operation.
Videos circulating online showed military vehicles conveying the rescued victims to Wawa, while residents gathered along the route to cheer the soldiers and celebrate the successful rescue.
Relatives of the rescued victims expressed joy and appreciation to the government and security agencies.
Medina Usman, whose daughter was among those rescued, said she had not yet reunited with her child but had been informed that the victims were awaiting transfer from the military facility in Kainji to Ilorin.
She thanked God and appreciated the intervention of both the Federal and Kwara State governments, as well as the security personnel involved in the operation.
Another relative, Abdullah Suleiman, described the rescue as a huge relief after months of uncertainty, praising President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq and the security forces.
Former members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Sabi and Hon. Aliyu Mande, also welcomed the development, applauding the efforts of security agencies, government officials and the media for keeping attention on the victims’ plight.
The victims were abducted on February 3, 2026, when terrorists attacked Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attackers reportedly killed several residents, destroyed homes and businesses, and kidnapped mostly women and children. Community leaders later said about 176 people were taken during the attack.
Security sources linked the assault to extremist groups believed to have connections with Lakurawa, Boko Haram and Ansaru, operating around border communities.
Before the rescue, families of the abductees had repeatedly appealed to both the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government for intervention after enduring nearly six months of uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
