* The attack is regarded as one of the deadliest in Kwara’s history claiming more than 200 lives.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday welcomed the rescue of 308 persons abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.
Tinubu described the joint operation that freed them as the largest single-day rescue exercise ever carried out by security agencies and directed an immediate strengthening of early warning mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.
A statement signed Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that 163 of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 were taken in a separate attack in Niger State.
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, involving personnel from the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services and the Police Force.
Reacting to the developments, Tinubu said, “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 rescued abductees are currently receiving first aid and essential medical care at a medical facility within Wawa Cantonment, Onanuga revealed.
Upon completion of their medical evaluations, they will be formally handed over to their respective state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families.
While celebrating the rescue, Tinubu stressed the need to strengthen the country’s broader security infrastructure to prevent similar mass abductions in the future.
He directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately reinforce early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities nationwide.
He reassured Nigerians of his administration’s continued commitment to eliminating security threats and protecting vulnerable communities.
“My administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation,” said the President.
The mass abductions in Kwara and Niger states form part of a pattern of large-scale kidnappings that have plagued the North-Central region in recent years.
Armed groups continue to exploit the dense forest cover of areas such as the Kainji Lake National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest game reserves, straddling Niger and Kwara states, as hideouts from which to launch raids on rural communities and hold captives for extended periods.
In early July, security forces rescued at least 39 Oriire schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
The Kwara State Government has revealed that it relied on sustained behind-the-scenes efforts and strategic coordination with security agencies to secure the release of 176 residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area.
It said details of the operation were kept confidential to avoid jeopardising the rescue mission.
The government clarified on Wednesday following the announcement that the victims, who were abducted during the deadly February 3, 2026, terrorist attack on the two communities, had regained their freedom after months in captivity.
The government said it withheld information on the steps taken throughout the months-long effort because of the sensitive nature of the security operation and concerns that public disclosure could have endangered the victims.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the government could not publicly disclose the steps it was taking while the rescue efforts were ongoing because of the sensitive nature of 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 added, “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.”
Explaining why the government chose silence throughout the operation, the commissioner said, “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 noted that the state government was still awaiting comprehensive information from the Nigerian military on the victims’ release.
“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.
The commissioner further noted that the administration remained committed to protecting residents across the state.
“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 commissioner stated.
No fewer than 176 victims abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities had regained their freedom.
The development was earlier announced in a post on the official Facebook page of the Kwara State Government, which read, “Alhamdulillah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”
The victims were kidnapped after suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists stormed the rural communities on motorcycles, launching a coordinated assault that lasted several hours.
The attack, regarded as one of the deadliest in Kwara State’s history, claimed more than 200 lives, left several others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and displaced many residents.
Local vigilantes who attempted to repel the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some trapped and burnt inside their office.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to disclose further details on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ freedom.
