Nigerian security forces rescue 300 kidnapping victims

Nigerian security forces have successfully rescued over 300 citizens who were abducted in separate attacks in Niger and Kwara states. The operation, described as the largest single-day rescue effort, involved the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, military, the Department of State Services, and the police.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians. Among those freed were 163 individuals taken from the village of Woro in Kwara State earlier this year. The victims were located in the Kainji Lake National Park Forest, a known hideout for criminal groups operating in Nigeria's often sparsely governed forests and reserves.

“

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomes the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant crisis in Nigeria, particularly in areas with limited state presence in the north and center. Criminal groups, jihadists, and gangs known as bandits frequently target communities. In February, suspected jihadists attacked Woro, killing over 150 people and kidnapping a similar number. Residents reported that houses were burned and an unknown number of people were abducted, though official tolls varied. Abductions have proven lucrative, with ransom payments estimated to have raised $1.66 million between July 2024 and June 2025, according to SBM Intelligence.

“

the largest rescue operation ever carried out in a single day