Nigeria’s security agencies have rescued 308 people who were held captive by armed groups in a large-scale coordinated operation, marking what the country’s presidency says is the biggest single-day hostage recovery in its history.
The mission took place around Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State and involved the military, police, intelligence services and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.
The operation led to the release of victims kidnapped during separate attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
Among those rescued were 163 residents seized during a deadly February assault on the Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State.
The attack left numerous people dead, while another 145 victims had previously been abducted from communities in neighbouring Niger State.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any members of the armed groups were arrested during the rescue mission.
The freed captives were transported to a military facility, where they received medical attention and humanitarian support before arrangements were made for them to reunite with their relatives.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had welcomed the successful operation, describing it as a significant achievement for the nation’s security agencies.
He said the rescue demonstrated stronger collaboration among the various security institutions working to combat violent crime.
According to officials, the attackers responsible for the assault on Woro had attempted to force residents to reject Nigeria’s constitutional authority and adopt their extremist ideology, effectively seeking to establish their own system of governance within the community.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International earlier reported that many victims killed during the February attack showed signs of extreme brutality, with several bodies found bound, while others had suffered fatal gunshot wounds or throat injuries.
The Nigerian government has attributed the violence to the extremist group Boko Haram, although the organisation has not publicly acknowledged responsibility.
The latest breakthrough follows the recent rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on a school in Oyo State.
They regained their freedom after spending more than 50 days in captivity following an extended security operation.
The recurring wave of kidnappings across north-central and southern parts of Nigeria has intensified concerns over the widening reach of armed groups beyond the country’s long-established conflict areas.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong