President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday welcomed the successful rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s ongoing fight against kidnapping and terrorism.

The President also directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, deepen intelligence gathering at the community level, and enhance rapid response mechanisms to prevent similar attacks across the country.

Of the rescued victims, 163 were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 others were kidnapped in 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-led operation 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.

The operation is regarded as the largest same-day rescue mission ever successfully carried out by the joint security team.

President Tinubu commended the leadership and personnel of the participating security agencies for their courage, professionalism, and seamless inter-agency collaboration, which culminated in the successful recovery of the victims.

“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 said.

The rescued citizens are currently receiving first aid and other essential medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment.

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

While celebrating the safe return of the victims, the President stressed that the rescue should reinforce efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

He directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately reinforce early warning systems, expand community-based intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to forestall future attacks.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating criminal elements, protecting vulnerable communities, and restoring lasting peace and security across the country.

Recall that suspected armed groups carried out separate attacks in communities across Kwara and Niger states, abducting a total of 308 people.

A joint task force led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and involving the Nigerian military, DSS, counter‑terrorism units and police launched an operation that successfully freed all 308 victims.

The rescue was announced on Wednesday, the same day the story began trending in the media.