After Six Months In Captivity – 176 Kwara Abductees Regain Freedom

Relief swept across Kwara State on Wednesday as no fewer than 176 residents abducted during the February 3 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area regained their freedom after spending nearly six months in captivity.

The development ended months of anxiety for families and communities that had endured prolonged uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.

The Kwara State Government announced the release in a statement posted on its official Facebook page, describing it as a major breakthrough and commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies and all those who contributed to the operation.

“Alhamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” the statement read.

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Although authorities had yet to disclose details of how the victims regained their freedom as of press time, community sources said security operatives, supported by military hardware, had earlier moved into the forest before news of the release filtered into the affected communities.

Aliyu Umar, a resident and member of the community negotiation team, said reports indicated that the Federal Government mounted a rescue operation.

According to him, residents of nearby Wawa community saw several buses accompanied by Army armoured vehicles heading into the forest, fueling speculation that the captives had been handed over to government officials.

The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Salihu Umar, also confirmed receiving similar information, saying residents reported seeing buses, military gun trucks and other security vehicles moving toward the area.

He, however, noted that the community had not yet spoken directly with the freed victims.

Also confirming the development, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, who played a key role in community efforts to secure the captives’ release, said the exact circumstances surrounding their freedom remained unknown.

“They are arranging vehicles to bring them to Ilorin. We do not know whether they were rescued through negotiations or whether any ransom was paid. At this stage, the details are still unclear,” he said.

The release comes just days after hundreds of residents staged a peaceful protest in Kaiama, urging the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts after the victims had spent 171 days in captivity.

Families had also disclosed that more than ₦155 million raised through community donations, personal savings and the sale of valuables was reportedly rejected by the abductors, who allegedly insisted on negotiating directly with the governments of Kwara and Niger states.

The 176 victims were kidnapped during a coordinated terrorist attack on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities on February 3. The assault claimed several lives, displaced residents and destroyed homes and public infrastructure.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage and prompted President Tinubu to order reinforced military deployment and intensified security operations across Kaiama and surrounding communities.

Reacting, ​President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warmly welcomed the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states.

One hundred and sixty-three of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, and 145 from Niger State.

​The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), involving personnel from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

It was the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team.

President Tinubu expresses deep appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their bravery, seamless inter-agency collaboration, and dedication, which made the recovery of the victims possible.

​”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 stated.

​The rescued citizens are receiving first aid and essential medical care at the Medical facility at Wawa Cantonment.

Upon completion of their medical evaluations, they will be formally handed over to their state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families.

​While applauding the return of the victims, President Tinubu emphasises the imperative of bolstering national security infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.

He directs security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to avert similar incidents across the country.

​President Tinubu reassures all Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.