President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to strengthen early warning systems and deepen intelligence gathering at the community level following the rescue of 308 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.
The directive came after a joint security operation recovered the victims from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, an operation the Presidency said was the largest same-day rescue ever carried out by Nigeria’s multi-agency security team.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday night by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 163 of the rescued victims were kidnapped from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while the remaining 145 were abducted in Niger State.
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The Presidency said personnel of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force carried out the operation using intelligence gathered before the rescue mission.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu commended the security agencies whose operation he said was evidence of improving coordination among Nigeria’s security institutions.
Tinubu said, “The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services.”
He praised members of the armed forces and other security personnel for their bravery and commitment to protecting lives.
The President, however, signalled that the rescue alone should not be seen as the end of the matter. Instead, he directed security agencies and relevant institutions to focus more attention on preventing future abductions through stronger intelligence networks and faster response mechanisms.
According to the statement, Tinubu ordered immediate steps to reinforce early warning systems, improve intelligence collection within local communities, and strengthen rapid response capabilities across the country.
This directive comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where mass abductions have become one of the major security challenges despite repeated military offensives against armed groups. It is an established fact that preventing attacks through timely intelligence is often more effective than responding after kidnappings have taken place.
The Presidency said the rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the medical facility within Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, assuring Nigerians that efforts to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable communities would continue.
The President said, “Our administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.”
Even though the Presidency said the operation was a significant security success, it did not disclose when the victims were abducted, whether any suspects were arrested during the rescue mission, or if armed groups were engaged during the operation. Those details are expected to emerge as security agencies provide further updates on the mission.
