Tinubu Applauds Rescue Of 308 Kidnap Victims From Kwara, Niger
President Bola Tinubu has commended the successful rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major demonstration of improved coordination among the country's security agencies.
The rescued victims include 163 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 kidnapped victims from Niger State.
They were freed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out in the Kainji Lake National Park forest by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the Presidency, the operation is the largest single-day rescue conducted by the joint security team.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security personnel for their bravery, professionalism and teamwork, saying the operation reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven security efforts.
The President disclosed that the rescued victims are receiving medical attention at Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunion with their families.
Tinubu also directed security agencies to strengthen early-warning systems, improve intelligence gathering within communities and enhance rapid-response capabilities to prevent future attacks.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to tackling insecurity, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring lasting peace across the country.
Woro Victims Return After Six Months
The 163 Woro residents had been held captive since February 3, 2026, when gunmen attacked Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kwara State, killing several residents, destroying homes and abducting mostly women and children.
Kaiama Local Government chairman Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi confirmed that the victims had been moved to Wawa Military Base and would later be transported to Sobi Army Barracks in Ilorin for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
Kwara State officials, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's aides and lawmakers, welcomed the rescue and praised President Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts.
Families Express Gratitude
Relatives of the rescued victims expressed relief and appreciation to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security operatives.
Many described the rescue as the end of a painful six-month ordeal and thanked the authorities for securing the victims' freedom.
The rescued victims include 163 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 kidnapped victims from Niger State.
They were freed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out in the Kainji Lake National Park forest by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the Presidency, the operation is the largest single-day rescue conducted by the joint security team.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security personnel for their bravery, professionalism and teamwork, saying the operation reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven security efforts.
The President disclosed that the rescued victims are receiving medical attention at Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunion with their families.
Tinubu also directed security agencies to strengthen early-warning systems, improve intelligence gathering within communities and enhance rapid-response capabilities to prevent future attacks.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to tackling insecurity, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring lasting peace across the country.
Woro Victims Return After Six Months
The 163 Woro residents had been held captive since February 3, 2026, when gunmen attacked Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kwara State, killing several residents, destroying homes and abducting mostly women and children.
Kaiama Local Government chairman Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi confirmed that the victims had been moved to Wawa Military Base and would later be transported to Sobi Army Barracks in Ilorin for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
Kwara State officials, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's aides and lawmakers, welcomed the rescue and praised President Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts.
Families Express Gratitude
Relatives of the rescued victims expressed relief and appreciation to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security operatives.
Many described the rescue as the end of a painful six-month ordeal and thanked the authorities for securing the victims' freedom.
