Nigerian forces free 308 kidnapping victims

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 people who had been abducted in separate attacks in the northern states of Kwara and Niger. The operation, which authorities described as the largest single-day rescue mission ever conducted by a joint security team, concluded on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

According to a statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the freed victims include 163 residents of Woro community in Kwara's Kaiama district, who were kidnapped in a February attack, and 145 others taken from various communities in Niger State. All were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in Niger's New Bussa Local Government Area.

The coordinated, intelligence-led operation was conducted by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in collaboration with the armed forces, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force. President Tinubu commended the security agencies for their bravery and seamless inter-agency collaboration. He stated that the successful execution demonstrates the growing efficiency of Nigeria's security services.

The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the Wawa Cantonment...