Nigeria rescues 308 hostages in major security operation
Al Jazeera Staff
Nigeria has rescued 308 citizens abducted in attacks in Niger and Kwara states, in what officials describe as the largest single-day rescue operation by the country's joint security forces. The operation involved the armed forces, police, and intelligence services.
The Nigerian government on [report date] said it had rescued more than 300 people kidnapped across the country in a coordinated security and intelligence operation. A statement from the presidency said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens abducted in various attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
According to the statement by Presidential Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, among those freed were 163 people kidnapped from the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others taken from Niger State. The victims were rescued in the forest of the Kainji Lake National Park in the New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The operation was described as a “coordinated, intelligence-driven” activity carried out by Nigeria's National Counter-Terrorism Centre, involving the armed forces, police, and the State Security Service. The statement highlighted this as “the largest rescue operation ever carried out in a single day by Nigeria's joint security team.”
The Kwara State government, near the border with Benin, welcomed the rescue operation on social media. Local media reported that the state government's statement confirmed the release of victims abducted in the February 3 attack on local communities in Kaiama, while expressing gratitude to the President and security forces. At least 200 people were killed in the multi-hour attack believed to be carried out by gunmen linked to Boko Haram at the time.
The crisis of kidnapping for ransom by criminal groups, Boko Haram-affiliated militants, and gangs known as “bandits” has become a major problem in Nigeria, especially in areas with limited state presence. Vulnerable targets such as schools, churches, and mosques, particularly in rural communities, face constant risk.
Earlier, on January 18, 177 people were abducted from three churches in the village of Kurmin Wali in Kaduna State. Last month, security forces also freed at least 40 students and teachers kidnapped in May in southern Oyo State. In June, Nigeria's President announced that the military had “neutralized” more than 13,000 “terrorists” over the past year; the military also said it had rescued 360 people kidnapped by Boko Haram in Borno State, an area once considered the group's stronghold.
In the latest statement, President Tinubu emphasized: “The successful execution of this intelligence-driven operation demonstrates the growing effectiveness and coordination among our security agencies. I commend our brave soldiers for their courage and unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians.”
