President Bola Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s security agencies following the rescue of 308 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as the largest single-day rescue mission ever carried out by the country’s security forces.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 163 of the rescued victims were kidnapped from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while another 145 were abducted in a separate incident in Niger State.
The Punch reported that the victims were freed from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
Reacting to the successful operation, Tinubu praised the security agencies for their professionalism and teamwork.
“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 Presidency said the rescued victims are receiving first aid and medical attention at a facility within Wawa Cantonment before being reunited with their families through their respective state governments.
While celebrating the development, the President directed security agencies to strengthen preventive measures against future mass abductions by improving intelligence gathering, reinforcing early warning systems and enhancing rapid response capabilities across the country.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, Tinubu said
“My administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.”
The latest rescue comes amid persistent cases of mass kidnappings in parts of the North-Central region, where criminal groups have continued to exploit the forests around Kainji Lake National Park as operational hideouts.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government said the release of abducted residents from Woro and Nuku communities was achieved through months of discreet engagements and close collaboration with security agencies.
Speaking with The Punch, the state’s Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, explained that the government deliberately kept details of the rescue efforts away from the public to avoid compromising the operation.
“To God be the glory, our Woro victims have regained their freedom.
“First and foremost, we want to say a big thank you to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, and the Nigerian military for the parts they played for our people to regain their freedom,” Olukoju said.
She also acknowledged the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, saying,
“We also want to appreciate the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. He has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure all the Woro victims regain their freedom.
“It’s been a whole lot, but as we have been saying, all hope was never lost because we have been working.”
Olukoju maintained that the government could not publicly disclose the rescue strategy while negotiations and security operations were ongoing.
“Because it’s a security issue, there is no way we would have come to tell the public how and what we are doing to get freedom for our kidnapped victims.”
She added that the state was awaiting detailed information from the military regarding the rescued victims.
“We cannot disclose the exact number now. We are awaiting further details from the Nigerian military because they regained their freedom and they are presently under the military’s care.
“Once we have more details, we will definitely share with the public. We are grateful for this.
“It is a huge relief, especially to the Kwara State Government.
“And we say one thing: Kwara will keep on making sure the lives and properties of Kwarans are safe,” she added.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to residents’ safety, the commissioner said,
“It is the priority of our governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to ensure people’s welfare and the security of lives and properties. We are grateful to God for this great feat. It is not easy.
“It’s been weeks and months, but today, I stand here to say we’re grateful our Woro victims have regained their freedom.”
The Woro and Nuku communities were attacked on February 3, 2026, when suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists invaded the settlements on motorcycles, killing more than 200 people, destroying homes and businesses, injuring several residents and abducting scores of victims.
Local vigilantes who attempted to resist the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some trapped and burnt inside their office.
Authorities are yet to disclose further details surrounding the circumstances of the victims’ release.
