ABUJA, Aug. 5, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major success for the country’s security agencies and directing them to strengthen early warning mechanisms to prevent future incidents.
The President, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for carrying out what the Presidency described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever conducted by the joint security team.
According to the statement, 163 of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 others were rescued after being abducted in Niger State.
The victims were freed from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during what the Presidency described as a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.
President Tinubu commended the leadership and personnel of the participating security agencies for their bravery, professionalism and effective inter-agency collaboration.
“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 disclosed that the rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and other essential medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment.
It added that after completing medical evaluations, they would be handed over to the governments of their respective states for further care and reunification with their families.
While celebrating the successful rescue, Tinubu stressed the need to strengthen the nation’s security architecture to prevent similar attacks.
He directed security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to immediately reinforce early warning systems, improve community-level intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response capabilities across the country.
The President also reassured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace nationwide.
