Tinubu Hails Rescue of 308 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Niger

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians who were kidnapped in separate attacks across Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major victory in the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

The statement disclosed that 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while the remaining 145 victims were kidnapped in Niger State.

Security operatives reportedly located the victims inside the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, where they were rescued during what the Presidency described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever conducted by Nigeria’s joint security agencies.

President Tinubu praised the military, intelligence agencies and police for what he called their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration in securing the release of the victims.

“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 first aid and medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment before being reunited with their families.

The Presidency said that after medical examinations are completed, the victims will be handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for rehabilitation, psychosocial support and family reunification.

While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu stressed that more work remains to be done in tackling insecurity across the country.

He directed security agencies to immediately strengthen early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria, insisting that government would continue investing in security operations aimed at protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks.

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, particularly in parts of the North Central and North West regions, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted rural communities, travellers and schools.

The latest rescue operation is expected to boost confidence in ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry and organised criminal activities across the country.