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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Kwara gov confirms rescue of 300 hostages after security operation

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the rescue of 163 residents abducted in February from Woro community.
  • The operation, conducted within the Kainji Lake National Park forest, also freed approximately 145 kidnap victims from neighboring Niger State.
  • Rescued individuals are receiving medical evaluation and psychosocial support before returning to their families, with the governor commending security agencies and President Tinubu for their roles.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the successful rescue of 163 residents who were abducted during a terrorist invasion of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area on February 3, 2026. The victims were freed following a coordinated security operation deep within the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

This significant operation also led to the rescue of about 145 kidnap victims from neighboring Niger State, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping. Governor AbdulRazaq credited the success to the combined efforts of various security agencies and acknowledged the crucial intervention of President Bola Tinubu in securing the victims' freedom.

"I am pleased to announce the freedom of 163 kidnap victims abducted during the unfortunate terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State," the governor stated on his official Facebook page. He further expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his "huge role" and "strong interest and support" in the rescue operation.

I am pleased to announce the freedom of 163 kidnap victims abducted during the unfortunate terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

— AbdulRahman AbdulRazaqKwara State Governor, announcing the rescue of abducted residents.

The governor also lauded the professionalism, resilience, and strategic collaboration demonstrated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force. He assured that the state would continue to support their efforts to protect citizens.

The rescued individuals are currently undergoing comprehensive medical evaluation and receiving psychosocial support at a federal health facility. Governor AbdulRazaq indicated that they would be reunited with their families in Kwara State once their medical procedures are complete, and the state would provide further support for their reintegration. He urged residents to continue sharing security information to help prevent future criminal attacks and enhance community safety.

I thank His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the huge role he played in securing the freedom of our compatriots from captivity.

— AbdulRahman AbdulRazaqKwara State Governor, thanking the President for his role in the rescue operation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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