BTvNEWS

President Commends Military, DSS and Police, Orders Stronger Security Measures to Prevent Future Mass Kidnappings

By Our Correspondent
Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

BTvNEWS: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s security agencies following the successful rescue of 308 abducted victims from separate kidnapping incidents in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as the largest single-day rescue mission ever carried out by the country’s security forces.

The President also directed security agencies to immediately strengthen early warning systems, deepen intelligence gathering at the community level, and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future mass abductions across the country.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, 163 victims were rescued after being abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while another 145 victims were freed following a separate abduction in Niger State.

The rescued victims were recovered from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during a coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Reacting to the successful operation, President Tinubu praised the professionalism and synergy among the nation’s security agencies.

“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 Presidency further disclosed that all rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and essential medical attention at a medical facility within Wawa Cantonment.

Following comprehensive medical evaluations, the victims will be handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation, comprehensive care, and reunification with their families.

While celebrating the successful rescue, President Tinubu stressed the importance of reinforcing Nigeria’s broader security architecture to forestall future incidents of mass kidnapping.

He directed all security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve early warning mechanisms, and boost rapid emergency response nationwide.

Reaffirming his administration’s determination to restore peace across the country, Tinubu declared:

“My administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.”

The rescue comes against the backdrop of persistent large-scale kidnappings across Nigeria’s North-Central region, where armed criminal groups have continued to exploit the dense forests surrounding Kainji Lake National Park as operational hideouts for launching attacks on rural communities and holding victims captive for extended periods.

In a related development, security forces had earlier rescued 39 schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire, Oyo State, after spending 56 days in captivity.

Kwara Government Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Rescue Strategy

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has disclosed that the successful release of residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area was achieved through months of strategic coordination and discreet engagement with security agencies.

The government explained that it deliberately kept details of the rescue efforts confidential to avoid compromising the highly sensitive operation.

Speaking exclusively with newsmen, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed that the victims, who were abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on the affected communities, had finally regained their freedom after months in captivity.

Expressing gratitude over the development, Olukoju said:

“To God be the glory, our Woro victims have regained their freedom. First and foremost, we sincerely thank His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian military for the roles they played in securing the freedom of our people.”

She also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his relentless commitment throughout the rescue process.

“We equally appreciate the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every one of the Woro victims regained their freedom. It has been a long and difficult journey, but we never lost hope because efforts were ongoing,” she stated.

Explaining why the state government maintained silence throughout the operation, the commissioner noted:

“Because it was a security matter, there was no way we could publicly disclose the strategies or actions being taken to secure the release of the kidnapped victims.”

Olukoju added that the state government was still awaiting comprehensive details from the Nigerian military regarding the rescue operation.

“We cannot confirm the exact number at this stage because the victims are still under the care of the military. Once we receive complete information, we will brief the public accordingly. This is a huge relief for the Kwara State Government, and we remain committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Kwarans.”

She reaffirmed that Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration remains unwavering in its commitment to residents’ welfare and security.

“The welfare of our people and the protection of lives and property remain the governor’s highest priority. We thank God for this remarkable achievement. It has taken weeks and months of sustained effort, but today we are grateful that our Woro victims have finally regained their freedom.”

Earlier, reports indicated that 176 residents abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist invasion of Woro and Nuku communities had regained their freedom.

The development was also announced on the official Facebook page of the Kwara State Government, which stated:

Alhamdulillah, and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the security forces, and everyone who played a role in this remarkable achievement. We are truly grateful.”

The victims were kidnapped after suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists stormed the two rural communities on motorcycles, carrying out a coordinated attack that lasted several hours.

The assault, regarded as one of the deadliest in Kwara State’s history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, left many others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and displaced numerous residents.

Local vigilantes who attempted to resist the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some allegedly trapped inside their operational office before it was set ablaze.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to disclose additional operational details surrounding the successful rescue mission.