A joint security team comprising the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and operatives of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, rescued 308 kidnapped victims across Kwara, and Niger States.
A security source disclosed that the operation, which was one of the largest and most successful, included officers and men of the Nigeria Police, as well as other unnamed security agencies.
It was further gathered that the operation took place on the same day, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims across the states.
It was also gathered that of the 308 rescued, 163 victims were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State while 145 were from Niger State.
The security source added that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Military Medical Facility, Wawa Cantonment situated in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State.
Forefront News gathered that upon completion of the victims’ medical evaluations, they will be handed over to their various State Governments for comprehensive care and reunion with members of their families.
Meanwhile, relief swept across Kwara State on Wednesday following the rescue of about 176 residents that were abducted during the February 3, attack by terrorists on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The victims spent six months in captivity before being freed, a development that ended months of anxiety for their families and members of the communities that had endured prolonged anxiety and uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
A statement by the Kwara State Government which was posted on its official Facebook page, described the rescue as a major breakthrough and commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies and all those that contributed to the operation.
The statement did not however, give details of how the victims regained their freedom even as sources close to the community, disclosed that security operatives, supported by military hardware were seen moving into the forest before the news of the release of the victims started filtering into the affected communities.
A resident of the community negotiating team, Aliyu Umar, said reports indicated that the Federal Government mounted a rescue operation, adding that some residents of nearby Wawa community saw several buses accompanied by Army armoured vehicles heading into the forest, thereby fuelled speculation that the captives had been handed over to government officials.
In the same vein, the Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Salihu Umar, confirmed the information, but quickly added that the community had not yet spoken directly with the freed victims.
The release of the victims comes few days after hundreds of residents staged a peaceful protest in Kaiama, during which they tasked the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts after the victims had spent 171 days in captivity.
The families of the victims also disclosed that more than ₦155 million raised was allegedly rejected by the terrorists, who insisted on negotiating directly with the governments of Kwara and Niger states.
The 176 victims were kidnapped during a coordinated terrorist attack on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities on February 3, during which several lives were lost, homes and public infrastructure were destroyed and most residents displaced.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the successful rescue of the 308 victims and particularly expressed appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their bravery, seamless inter-agency collaboration and dedication which led to the rescue of the victims.
Tinubu said; “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,” he said.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.
