Nigeria says an intelligence-led operation rescued 308 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states. Authorities reported 163 victims were taken from the Woro community in Kaiama, Kwara, and 145 from Niger State; the victims were recovered in Kainji Lake National Park. The National Counter Terrorism Centre led the mission with the armed forces, police and DSS, and the government called it the largest single-day joint rescue operation.
Nigeria Says Intelligence-Led Operation Freed 308 Kidnap Victims — Government Calls It Largest Single-Day Rescue
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has been under growing pressure after a surge in mass kidnappings this year. [Monicah Mwangi/Reuters] (Reuters)
Nigeria's government has announced the rescue of 308 people who were abducted in separate attacks across Kwara and Niger states, following a coordinated, intelligence-led security operation.
Details of the Rescue
According to an official statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 163 of the rescued were taken from the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, while 145 were abducted from locations in Niger State. Authorities said the victims were recovered in the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area, Niger State.
Who Led the Mission
The National Counter Terrorism Centre led the operation with support from the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). The government described the mission as a "coordinated, intelligence-driven operation" and said it was the largest rescue carried out on a single day by Nigeria's joint security team.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: "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."
Context
The rescues come amid a wider kidnapping crisis in Nigeria involving criminal gangs, Boko Haram-linked fighters and bandits, particularly in rural areas with limited state security. The government noted other recent incidents, including the February 3 attack in Kaiama — blamed on suspected Boko Haram-linked fighters — which local reports say killed at least 200 people, and the January 18 abduction of 177 worshippers from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State.
In other recent developments, security services freed at least 40 students and teachers kidnapped in May from Oyo State. In June, the president announced the military had "neutralised" more than 13,000 "terrorists" in the previous year, and the army said it had rescued 360 people who had been abducted by Boko Haram.
Government Reaction
The Kwara State government praised the operation on social media, thanking President Tinubu, the security forces and everyone involved. Officials and analysts say the operation underscores improved intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation, though challenges remain in preventing attacks and securing vulnerable communities.
Help us improve.
