By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the successful rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians in coordinated security operations across Kwara and Niger States, describing the development as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, says the President also directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen early warning mechanisms, improve community intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks.
The rescued victims include 163 persons abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others from Niger State.
They were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during what has been described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever carried out by a joint security security team.
The intelligence-driven operation was coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), involving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
President Tinubu commended the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their bravery, professionalism and seamless inter-agency collaboration, saying the operation demonstrates the growing efficiency of the nation’s security architecture.
The rescued citizens are currently receiving first aid and medical care at the Wawa Cantonment Medical Facility and will be handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger States after medical evaluation for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating security threats, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring lasting peace across the country.
