President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday welcomed the rescue of 308 persons abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.
Tinubu described the joint operation that freed them as the largest single-day rescue exercise ever carried out by security agencies and directed an immediate strengthening of early warning mechanisms to prevent future occurrences.
A statement signed Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that 163 of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 were taken in a separate attack in Niger State.
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, involving personnel from the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services and the Police Force.
Reacting to the developments, Tinubu said, “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 rescued abductees are currently receiving first aid and essential medical care at a medical facility within Wawa Cantonment, Onanuga revealed.
Upon completion of their medical evaluations, they will be formally handed over to their respective state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families.
While celebrating the rescue, Tinubu stressed the need to strengthen the country’s broader security infrastructure to prevent similar mass abductions in the future.
He directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately reinforce early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities nationwide.
He reassured Nigerians of his administration’s continued commitment to eliminating security threats and protecting vulnerable communities.
“My administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation,” said the President.
The mass abductions in Kwara and Niger states form part of a pattern of large-scale kidnappings that have plagued the North-Central region in recent years.
Armed groups continue to exploit the dense forest cover of areas such as the Kainji Lake National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest game reserves, straddling Niger and Kwara states, as hideouts from which to launch raids on rural communities and hold captives for extended periods.