President commends intelligence-led security operation, orders stronger early warning systems as hundreds of abductees regain freedom in Kwara and Niger states.
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President Bola Tinubu has praised security agencies for rescuing 308 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as the largest single-day rescue mission ever carried out in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for successfully carrying out the intelligence-led operation.
According to the Presidency, 163 victims were rescued after being kidnapped from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 others were freed following a separate abduction in Niger State. The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State.
President Tinubu said the operation demonstrated the growing coordination and effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies, applauding security personnel for their courage and dedication to protecting lives.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Wawa Cantonment before they are handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
While celebrating the successful rescue, Tinubu directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future mass abductions.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace, tackling insecurity and protecting vulnerable communities across the country.
Kwara Government Commends Security Agencies
The Kwara State Government also confirmed the release of residents abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the government deliberately kept rescue efforts confidential to avoid jeopardising the operation.
She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Nigerian military and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom, describing the rescue as the result of months of coordinated efforts behind the scenes.
Olukoju said the state government is awaiting detailed information from the military before confirming the final number of rescued victims. She assured residents that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The victims were kidnapped during a deadly terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in February 2026. The assault claimed more than 200 lives, displaced many residents and destroyed homes and businesses, making it one of the deadliest attacks ever recorded in Kwara State.
