President Bola Tinubu has hailed the successful rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Niger and Kwara States, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
The rescued victims comprise 163 residents abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others kidnapped in Niger State.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, the victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
The Presidency described the operation as the largest single-day rescue mission ever conducted by the joint security team.
President Tinubu commended the leadership and personnel of the participating security agencies for their courage, effective collaboration and professionalism, noting that their efforts made the successful operation possible.
“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 was quoted as saying in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
The statement added that the rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and other essential medical treatment at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment. It noted that after completing medical evaluations, they would be formally handed over to their respective state governments for further care and reunification with their families.
While celebrating the successful rescue, the President emphasised the need to strengthen the country’s security architecture to forestall similar incidents in the future.
He directed security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to immediately reinforce early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering at the community level, and enhance rapid response mechanisms to prevent future abductions and related security threats across the country.
Tinubu also reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring lasting peace nationwide.
