Key facts
- Over 300 people abducted in Nigeria have been rescued by joint security forces.
- The rescue operation took place in Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State.
- Victims included 163 people abducted from Woro community in February and 145 from Niger State.
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the operation as the largest single-day rescue ever.
- The Nigerian government attributes the Woro attack to Boko Haram.
- The abductions are part of a broader trend of insecurity spreading in Nigeria.
Nigerian security forces have successfully rescued over 300 individuals who were abducted in separate incidents in Niger and Kwara states. The presidency described the operation, which took place in Kainji Lake National Park, as the largest single-day rescue mission ever carried out by the country's joint security agencies.
The freed individuals include 163 people abducted during a February attack on the Woro community in Kwara State, where scores were killed. At least 145 others were rescued after being taken captive in Niger State. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomed the successful rescue of the 308 Nigerian citizens.
Tinubu characterized the operation as a demonstration of improved coordination among Nigeria's security agencies. The attack on Woro village reportedly involved armed jihadists demanding residents renounce the Nigerian government and follow their teachings, an attempt to establish a parallel system of governance. Amnesty International documented that many victims of this attack were found with their hands and feet tied, some having been killed by slitting their throats or by gunshots.
The Nigerian government has attributed the Woro attack to Boko Haram, though the jihadist group has not issued a statement. This rescue follows closely on the heels of another operation that freed 44 pupils and teachers abducted from a school in Oyo State. The increasing frequency and spread of such abductions beyond traditional conflict zones are raising significant concerns about Nigeria's escalating insecurity.