More than 300 kidnap victims have regained their freedom after a major security operation in Nigeria’s North-Central region, prompting President Bola Tinubu to praise security agencies and order tougher measures to prevent future mass abductions.
The President on Wednesday welcomed the rescue of 308 abducted persons from separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the coordinated mission as the largest single-day rescue operation ever carried out by the country’s security agencies. He also directed authorities to immediately strengthen early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering, and boost rapid response capabilities across the country.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said 163 victims were rescued from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while another 145 abductees were freed following a separate attack in Niger State. The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa, Niger State, during an intelligence-led operation coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, with support from the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
Commending the security agencies, Tinubu said the operation reflected growing coordination among Nigeria’s security institutions. “The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President said.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and first aid at a facility within Wawa Cantonment before they are reunited with their families through their respective state governments. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace across the country, saying the government remains determined to eliminate security threats and protect vulnerable communities.
The Presidency also acknowledged that the rescue highlights the continuing security challenges facing parts of the North-Central region, where criminal groups have repeatedly used the vast forests around Kainji Lake National Park as operational bases for kidnappings and attacks on rural communities. Similar large-scale abductions have been recorded across Kwara, Niger and neighbouring states in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government disclosed that the release of residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities was made possible through months of confidential coordination with security agencies. Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the government deliberately kept details of the rescue efforts away from the public to avoid jeopardising the operation and endangering the captives.
She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Nigerian military and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom, describing the development as a huge relief for affected families and the state. The victims had been held since the deadly February 3, 2026 attack on the two communities, one of the worst terrorist incidents in Kwara’s history, which claimed more than 200 lives, destroyed homes and displaced many residents.
