* President orders stronger early warning systems, hails joint security operation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the successful rescue of 308 abducted citizens from Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The President also directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen early warning mechanisms, improve community intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the rescued victims comprised 163 persons abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others from Niger State.
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during what officials described as the largest same day rescue operation ever carried out by a joint security team.
The intelligence driven operation was coordinated by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), involving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
President Tinubu commended the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their bravery, professionalism and seamless inter agency collaboration, saying the successful operation reflected the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating security threats, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The President also directed security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen early warning systems, deepen community intelligence gathering and improve rapid response capabilities to forestall future attacks.
According to the Presidency, the rescued citizens are currently receiving first aid and medical care at the Wawa Cantonment Medical Facility before being handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
Muslim News gathered that the 163 Kwara victims were abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist invasion of Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, spending nearly six months in captivity before their rescue.
The 145 other victims were abducted earlier in November 2025 during a wave of terrorist attacks in Niger State, including the mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri. They also remained in captivity until the joint security operation secured their freedom.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Kwara State Government announced the release of the abductees, describing it as a major breakthrough and expressing gratitude to President Tinubu, the security agencies and everyone who contributed to the operation.
“Alhamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful,” the state government said in a statement.
The rescue brought relief to families and communities that had endured months of uncertainty, anguish and desperate efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.
Only days before the operation, families of the Kwara victims disclosed that terrorists had rejected more than ₦155 million painstakingly raised through community donations, personal savings and the sale of valuables. The kidnappers reportedly insisted on negotiating directly with the governments of Kwara and Niger states because many of the captives came from both states.
The prolonged captivity had also triggered protests by residents of Kaiama Local Government Area, who marched through the town to demand urgent government intervention and stronger security around communities bordering the Kainji Lake National Park, long identified as a hideout for terrorist groups.
The successful rescue has now brought an end to months of uncertainty for hundreds of families, with the victims expected to undergo medical evaluation, rehabilitation and reunification with their relatives in the coming days.
President Tinubu reiterated that his administration would continue to intensify security operations across the country to dismantle criminal networks, safeguard communities and ensure that Nigerians can live without fear.
Sponsored
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
