President Bola Tinubu has hailed the successful rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a testament to the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations and inter-agency collaboration.
The President also directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, improve community intelligence gathering, and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future abductions across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu welcomed the rescue of the victims, comprising 163 persons abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others from Niger State.
The Presidency said 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 conducted by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, the mission marked the largest same-day rescue operation ever carried out by the joint security team.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu commended the leadership and personnel of the participating security agencies for their courage, professionalism, and seamless 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 receiving first aid and other medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunification with their families after medical evaluations.
While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu stressed the need to prevent similar incidents, directing security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately reinforce early warning mechanisms, strengthen community-based intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities nationwide.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity, assuring Nigerians that the government remains resolute in eliminating security threats, protecting vulnerable communities, and restoring lasting peace across the country.
