Abuja, Nigeria — The Presidency announced on Wednesday that Nigerian security forces rescued 308 people abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.
According to the statement, 163 victims were freed from Woro community in Kaiama, Kwara, where they had been held since February after gunmen killed at least 170 people. Another 145 were rescued from neighbouring Niger state.
The operation took place in Kainji Lake National Park forest and involved the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and police. It was described as the largest same-day rescue carried out by a joint security team.
President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in January, called the rescue a sign of progress in the fight against kidnapping and banditry. On Tuesday he also approved pay increases of up to 80% for military personnel to improve welfare.
Security analysts say while the rescue is significant, kidnappings for ransom remain widespread across north-central Nigeria and continue to strain communities and the economy.
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