Freedom from the Forest: How Joint Forces Pulled Off Nigeria’s Largest Single-Day Rescue
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the rescue of 308 citizens abducted from Kwara and Niger states, marking the largest single-day operation by Nigerian security forces.
Conducted by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Armed Forces, DSS, and Police, the mission freed 163 individuals from Kwara and 145 from Niger from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest.
The President directed that early warning systems and intelligence-driven efforts be strengthened to prevent future occurrences, while the rescued individuals receive medical care at Wawa Cantonment.
You can read the full statement of the Presidency below:
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES RESCUE OF 308 ABDUCTED CITIZENS IN KWARA, NIGER STATES, CALLS FOR STRONGER EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomes the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
One hundred and sixty-three of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, and 145 from 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-driven operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), involving personnel from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
It was the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team.
President Tinubu expresses deep appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their bravery, seamless inter-agency collaboration, and dedication, which made the recovery of the victims possible.
“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 stated.
The rescued citizens are receiving first aid and essential medical care at the medical facility at Wawa Cantonment.
Upon completion of their medical evaluations, they will be formally handed over to their state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families.
While applauding the return of the victims, President Tinubu emphasises the imperative of bolstering national security infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.
He directs security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to avert similar incidents across the country.
President Tinubu reassures all Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 5, 2026
