President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 people who were abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as the largest single-day rescue mission ever carried out by Nigeria’s security agencies.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future kidnappings across the country.
According to the statement, 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 others were rescued in Niger State.
The victims were freed during a coordinated operation in the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State. The operation was led by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) with support from the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
Onanuga described the mission as the biggest rescue operation ever conducted in a single day by a joint security team.
President Tinubu praised the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their professionalism, courage, and effective collaboration, saying the success of the operation reflects the growing efficiency of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“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 President said.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and first aid at the Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunion with their families.
Tinubu stressed that while the rescue was encouraging, more must be done to prevent similar incidents. He directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen community-based intelligence, improve early warning systems, and enhance rapid response mechanisms across the country.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, protecting vulnerable communities, and restoring lasting peace across Nigeria’s.
