Tinubu Hails Record Rescue of 308 Abductees in Kwara, Niger

​President Bola Tinubu has lauded security forces for the successful rescue of 308 citizens who were previously abducted in separate onslaughts across Kwara and Niger states. Hailing the mission as the largest single-day rescue operation executed by joint security agencies in the nation’s history, the President urged security chiefs to consolidate these operational gains by upgrading early warning infrastructure.

​According to a dispatch released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the freed victims comprise 163 individuals seized from the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, alongside 145 others kidnapped in separate operations within Niger State.

​The high-stakes rescue took place deep inside the Kainji Lake National Park forest located in the New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State. Dense vegetation and rugged terrain within the park have historically served as strategic redoubts for armed gangs coordinating mass kidnappings across the North-Central belt.

​Inter-Agency Synergy

​The successful offensive was engineered through a tightly coordinated, intelligence-driven framework overseen by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). The operation brought together active tactical assets from:

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• ​The Armed Forces of Nigeria

• ​The Department of State Services (DSS)

• ​The Nigeria Police Force

​Expressing deep pride in the triumph of the joint forces, President Tinubu noted that the operation highlights the escalating competence and seamless cooperation among Nigeria’s security apparatus.

​“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,” Tinubu stated.

​Medical Evaluation and Reunification

​Authorities confirmed that the liberated citizens have been moved to a medical facility within the Wawa Cantonment, where they are currently undergoing immediate trauma checks, first aid, and critical medical care.

​Once medical clearances are finalized, the freed captives will be handed over to their respective state governments to facilitate structured rehabilitation, psychological support, and subsequent reunification with their families.

​Directives on Future Security Architecture

​While celebrating the unprecedented breakthrough, the President stressed that continuous vigilance remains imperative to neutralizing asymmetric threats. He issued clear directives to security heads and strategic stakeholders to:

• ​Immediately reinforce early warning frameworks

• ​Deepen community-level intelligence gathering to detect threats pre-emptively

• ​Upgrade rapid response capabilities across vulnerable rural borders nationwide

​Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unyielding resolve to dismantle criminal networks, secure vulnerable populations, and restore absolute peace and stability to every part of the country.