Joint forces free victims held in Niger and Kwara states
More than 300 people abducted in separate attacks across Nigeria have been rescued in a major security operation described by the presidency as the country’s largest single-day rescue operation.
The 308 victims were freed from Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State during an operation involving the military, police, intelligence services and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.
The rescued victims included people abducted from Niger and Kwara states, where armed groups have carried out a series of attacks and kidnappings.
Victims taken in separate attacks
Among those rescued were 163 people abducted during a February attack on the Woro community in Kwara State. Dozens of people were killed during the attack, while at least 145 others were reportedly abducted in Niger State.
Authorities have not confirmed whether any suspects were arrested during the latest operation.
The rescued victims were taken to a military facility, where they received medical attention before arrangements were made for them to return to their families.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the successful rescue of the 308 Nigerians.
He described the operation as the largest rescue operation carried out by Nigerian security forces in a single day.
Government praises security coordination
President Tinubu said the successful operation demonstrated improved coordination between Nigeria’s security agencies.
The operation comes amid continuing concerns over kidnappings and attacks by armed groups in different parts of the country.
The government has increased cooperation between the military, police and intelligence agencies as it attempts to tackle insecurity and rescue people being held by armed groups.
Deadly attack on Woro
The February attack on Woro was particularly deadly. According to reports, armed jihadists demanded that residents reject the Nigerian government and constitution and instead follow their teachings.
Amnesty International reported that many of those killed were found with their hands and feet tied. Some victims were reportedly killed by gunfire, while others suffered fatal injuries.
The Nigerian government has blamed Boko Haram for the attack, although the jihadist group has not publicly claimed responsibility.
Recent school abductions
The latest rescue comes only weeks after 44 pupils and teachers abducted during a school attack in Oyo State were freed after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
Their release followed a month-long security operation and highlighted the continuing threat of mass abductions targeting schools and communities.
Insecurity spreads beyond traditional hotspots
The recent wave of kidnappings has raised concerns that insecurity is spreading beyond Nigeria’s traditional conflict zones.
Attacks have increasingly been reported in parts of north-central and southern Nigeria, adding pressure on authorities to strengthen security operations and protect vulnerable communities.
The rescue of more than 300 people represents a significant success for Nigeria’s security forces, but the continued occurrence of mass abductions demonstrates the scale of the challenge facing the government.
Authorities now face pressure to ensure those rescued receive adequate support while preventing further attacks on communities across the country.
