Nigeria rescues 308 abducted citizens in security operation

Nigerian security forces have rescued 308 people abducted in separate attacks in Niger and Kwara states, the presidency said, calling it the largest single-day rescue operation ever carried out by the country’s joint security team.

The victims were freed from the Kainji Lake National Park area in Niger State during what officials described as a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation involving the armed forces, police, Department of State Services and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomes the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.

Officials said 163 of those rescued had been abducted from the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 others had been taken in Niger State. The presidency said the victims were receiving medical care at a military site before being reunited with their families. It was not clear whether any suspects were detained during the operation.

Onanuga said the mission was “the largest rescue operation ever carried out” in a single day by Nigeria’s joint security forces.

Tinubu described the rescue as evidence of stronger coordination among the country’s security agencies. “The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services,” he said. “I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives.”

The Kwara State government also welcomed the rescue in a social media post reported by Arise News. “Kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” the statement said, referring to the release of those abducted during a February 3 attack on local communities in Kaiama.

The BBC reported that armed jihadists who attacked Woro wanted residents to renounce the Nigerian government and constitution and follow their teachings, effectively attempting to impose a parallel system of rule in the area. Amnesty International said many of the dead from that attack had been found with their hands and feet tied; some had their throats slit, while others were shot dead, according to the BBC.

The Nigerian government has blamed Boko Haram for the Woro attack, though the group has not issued any statement about it. The Nigeria-based Punch website, cited by Al Jazeera, reported that at least 200 people were killed when suspected Boko Haram-linked fighters launched a coordinated assault that lasted several hours.

Kidnapping for ransom by criminal groups, Boko Haram-linked fighters and gangs known as bandits has become a major crisis in Nigeria, especially in areas where state presence is limited. Schools, churches and mosques in vulnerable rural communities have been among the soft targets at risk.

The rescue follows a string of mass abductions and security operations. Al Jazeera reported that 177 people were abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali village in Kaduna State on January 18. Last month, security services freed at least 40 students and teachers kidnapped in May from Oyo State, according to Al Jazeera. The BBC reported that 44 pupils and teachers abducted during a school attack in Oyo were freed after more than 50 days in captivity following a month-long security operation.

In June, Tinubu said the military had “neutralised” more than 13,000 “terrorists” in the past year. The army also said it had rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram, which has spread across parts of the country from Borno State, once considered the centre of its operations, according to Al Jazeera.

The recent wave of abductions, including attacks in parts of north-central and southern Nigeria, has renewed concern that insecurity is spreading beyond the country’s traditional conflict zones.