Nigerian security forces have rescued 308 people who were abducted in separate attacks in Niger and Kwara states. The presidency described the mission as the largest single-day rescue operation ever carried out by the country’s joint security agencies.
The operation took place in Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State and involved the military, police, intelligence services, and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre. Key details308 abductees rescued in total.
163 victims had been kidnapped during the February attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, where dozens of people were also killed. At least 145 others had been abducted in Niger State. The rescued victims are receiving medical care before being reunited with their families.
Authorities have not announced any arrests linked to the operation. Government reaction President Bola Tinubu welcomed the rescue, with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga describing it as the largest rescue operation conducted in a single day. The president said the operation demonstrated improved coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies in responding to kidnapping and terrorism.
Background The February attack on Woro and Nuku communities was particularly brutal. According to reports, the attackers attempted to force residents to reject the Nigerian government and instead accept their own extremist rule. Human rights organisation Amnesty International reported that many victims found after the attack had their hands and feet tied. Some were killed by having their throats slit, while others were shot. The Nigerian government blamed Boko Haram for the attack, although the group has not publicly claimed responsibility.
Growing security concerns The rescue comes only weeks after 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped during a school attack in Oyo State were freed following more than 50 days in captivity. These incidents have raised concerns that kidnappings and armed attacks are spreading beyond Nigeria’s traditional conflict zones in the northeast into parts of north-central and southern Nigeria, highlighting the country’s continuing security challenges.
