President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday hailed the rescue of 308 persons abducted in separate attacks across Kwara and Niger States.
The President has called the operation a demonstration of improving security coordination under his administration.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said 163 of the freed were taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 were abducted in Niger State.
According to Onanuga, the victims were recovered from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa, Niger State, after an intelligence-driven operation led by the National Counter‑Terrorism Centre and carried out alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
President Tinubu described the mission as the largest single-day rescue operation yet conducted by the joint security forces.
The President commended the “bravery, seamless inter‑agency collaboration and dedication” of security personnel, saying the outcome shows “the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services.”
He singled out the “gallant men and women in uniform” for their role in safeguarding lives.
The statement said the rescued individuals received first aid and medical attention at the Wawa Cantonment medical facility and will be transferred to their respective state governments for further care and reunification with families following medical evaluations.
While praising the recoveries, President Tinubu urged an acceleration of efforts to strengthen national security infrastructure.
He directed security agencies to reinforce early‑warning systems, expand community‑level intelligence gathering and improve rapid‑response capabilities to reduce the risk of future kidnappings.
“His administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace across the nation,” the statement said.
