President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
The President also directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, improve community intelligence gathering, and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for successfully carrying out what the Presidency described as the largest single-day rescue operation by a joint security team.
According to the Presidency, the rescued victims include 163 residents abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 kidnapped in Niger State.
The victims were rescued during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the Wawa Military Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity, protecting vulnerable communities, and restoring lasting peace across the country.
Jubilation in Kwara
News of the rescue sparked celebrations across Woro Community and other parts of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State, with residents chanting “Alhamdulillah” and “Oluwa se o” as the development spread.
The victims had been held captive since they were abducted during attacks on the community in February.
Member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba Ahmed, welcomed the development.
“Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released. I’m very, very excited about this development. We give thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and our security operatives,” he said.
Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara State and Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, also confirmed the release.
“Yes, they have indeed been released. They are currently in Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger because our people are not the only victims released. The Office of the Secretary to the State Government is arranging vehicles that will bring them to Ilorin,” he said.
Army Places Bounty on ISWAP Leader
Meanwhile, the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has identified several top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and announced a substantial financial reward for information leading to the arrest of the group’s most wanted leader.
According to Acting Media Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops recovered technical devices, including a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP fighters for propaganda, during recent operations in northern Borno State.
Forensic analysis of the recovered materials led to the identification of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, described as the Wali (Governor) of ISWAP and the group’s most wanted commander in the Lake Chad Basin.
Other identified commanders include Muhammad Jidda, also known as “The One-Handed Man,” and Hamad Abu Hanifa.
The military urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence, assuring potential informants that their identities would be fully protected.
17 Boko Haram Family Members Surrender
Operation HADIN KAI also disclosed that 17 family members of Boko Haram (JAS) voluntarily surrendered to troops in separate locations across Borno State.
The surrendered individuals include 10 women, six children, and an 11-year-old minor, who reportedly cited sustained military offensives against terrorist enclaves as the reason for abandoning the group.
The military said all those who surrendered are currently undergoing profiling and debriefing before being transferred to the appropriate authorities for rehabilitation and other administrative processes…..See more