Aug 6, 2026

Nigeria Security Forces Rescue 308 Kidnap Victims in Largest Single-Day Operation

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria – August 6, 2026— In what the Presidency has described as the largest single-day hostage rescue operation by Nigeria’s joint security forces, 308 kidnapped citizens have been freed from captivity in a coordinated intelligence-driven mission across Kwara and Niger states.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, recovered 163 people abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State during a deadly attack in February 2026, alongside 145 others taken in separate incidents in Niger State.

All the victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State.

A Major Inter-Agency Success

The mission was coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and involved personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

Officials described it as the product of sustained intelligence gathering, meticulous planning and synchronized deployment designed to prevent the kidnappers from relocating their captives.

President Bola Tinubu welcomed the successful rescue, describing it as a clear sign of improved coordination among Nigeria’s security institutions.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the participating agencies for their courage, professionalism, and effective collaboration.

Tinubu further directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, deepen community-level intelligence gathering, and enhance rapid response mechanisms to prevent similar attacks.

Victims Receiving Care

The rescued persons have been evacuated to the Military Medical Facility at Wawa Cantonment in New Bussa, where they are undergoing comprehensive medical examinations and receiving immediate treatment and humanitarian support. Many had endured prolonged periods in captivity under harsh conditions.

Once medical and security procedures are completed, they will be handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for further care and reunification with their families.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the development, thanking President Tinubu and the security agencies for their role in securing the freedom of the Woro victims after nearly six months in captivity.

The Kwara State Government described the release as a major breakthrough.

Context of the Crisis

The February attack on Woro and nearby communities was one of the deadliest in Kwara State in recent years, with estimates of those killed ranging between 150 and 200.

Armed groups have long used the expansive forest reserves and national parks in the North-Central region as hideouts, exploiting porous state boundaries to stage mass abductions.

While no details were released on whether any suspects were apprehended during the operation, security sources indicated that intelligence gathered is expected to support follow-up efforts aimed at dismantling the criminal networks responsible.

The successful rescue of 308 victims in a single day marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against kidnapping for ransom and related violent crimes.

For the families of those freed — especially the Woro survivors who had waited months for news — it brings long-awaited relief and a measure of hope that coordinated security efforts can deliver results.