President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians in coordinated security operations across Niger and Kwara states, describing the mission as a testament to the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.

The President also directed security agencies to strengthen early warning mechanisms, deepen community-based intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future abductions across the country.

The rescued victims comprised 163 persons abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others kidnapped in Niger State.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State in what was described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever carried out by a joint security team.

The operation was coordinated by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), with personnel drawn from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

Commending the security agencies, Tinubu praised 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 medical care at the Wawa Cantonment medical facility before being handed over to the Kwara and Niger state governments for rehabilitation, psychosocial support and reunification with their families.

While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu stressed that preventing future attacks must remain a national priority.

He directed security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to reinforce early warning systems, improve community-level intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response mechanisms to forestall similar incidents nationwide.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending insecurity, assuring Nigerians that efforts to dismantle criminal networks, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace would be sustained.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government confirmed the victims’ release but did not disclose how they regained their freedom, leaving unanswered questions over whether any ransom was paid or if the rescue resulted solely from security operations.

Announcing the development on its official social media platforms, the state government commended President Tinubu, security agencies and all those involved in the operation.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, described the rescue as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the state.

“Kwara State Government is happy to share that the security forces have rescued the people who were kidnapped at Woro community in Kwara North,” Abdullateef said.

“Kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security forces and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful.”

The victims’ release sparked celebrations among families and residents of Woro community, who have endured months of fear and uncertainty since the February attack that reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, displaced many residents and left hundreds of women and children in captivity.

Authorities have yet to provide details on the health condition of the rescued victims, the exact circumstances of their release or the timeline for their rehabilitation and reunification with their families.