Tinubu praises rescue of 308 people kidnapped in Kwara and Niger

President Bola Tinubu has praised what he called the rescue of 308 people who were kidnapped from different communities in Kwara and Niger states.

This information came from a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.

In February, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Boko Haram terrorists took about 176 people from Woro, a community near Kainji Lake National Park in Kwara. A month earlier, the group also kidnapped some people from Kasuwan Daji, a village in Niger State.

After that, the group attacked other villages like Konkoso, Kabe, Sukumba, and Pissa in Niger, where they also kidnapped many people and killed several others.

Mr Onanuga said the rescued victims included 163 residents from Woro and 145 others taken from communities in Niger State. He did not name the specific communities in Niger where the 145 victims were rescued.

While locals said that 176 people were taken from Woro, a list created by families and community leaders showed 167 abducted persons after authorities disputed the higher number. This list, which PREMIUM TIMES got, shows the victims include 58 males and 109 females, aged between one and 50 years.

The Kwara State Government has confirmed the release of the Woro abductees, but there has been no public statement from the Niger State Government about the rescue.

Mr Onanuga explained that the victims were freed from Kainji Lake National Park during an operation that Mr Tinubu called a significant achievement in the country’s battle against kidnapping and terrorism.

He added that the victims were rescued during a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation led by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) with help from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the State Security Service (SSS or DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

The presidency called this mission the largest single-day rescue operation ever conducted by the joint security team.

Mr Onanuga said President Tinubu praised the security agencies for their bravery, professionalism, and teamwork. He said the operation showed that Nigeria's security forces can handle complex security challenges.

“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation shows the growing efficiency and teamwork among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and commitment to protecting Nigerian lives,” he quoted the president as saying.

According to Mr Onanuga, the rescued victims are now getting first aid and other medical care at a facility in Wawa Cantonment, Niger State.

“Once they finish their medical evaluations, they will be formally handed over to their state governments for proper care and to reunite with their families,” he said.

Mr Onanuga said President Tinubu also ordered security agencies to step up efforts to stop future kidnappings. This includes improving early warning systems, gathering intelligence at the community level, and enhancing quick response capabilities.

He reminded everyone that the Tinubu administration is committed to tackling insecurity in Nigeria and assured citizens that work to break down criminal and terrorist groups will continue.

“President Tinubu reassures all Nigerians that his government is focused on eliminating security threats, protecting vulnerable communities, and restoring peace across the nation,” Mr Onanuga wrote.