Nigeria’s Largest Single‑Day Rescue: 308 Abductees Freed Amid Rising Threats

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:53:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Security forces rescue 308 abductees in Nigeria’s biggest single‑day operation, freeing victims of February attacks in Woro and Niger.

In a coordinated strike that marked its largest day‑long operation yet, Nigerian military, police, intelligence and the National Counter‑Terrorism Centre reclaimed 308 victims abducted in separate attacks. The majority were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park, including 163 people from the Woro community in Kwara State and 145 from Niger State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the effort as evidence of improved security coordination. The operation follows a string of kidnappings that have spanned north‑central and southern Nigeria, underscoring the growing reach of jihadist violence.

Nigerian security forces rescue more than 300 abductees

On this day, joint Nigerian security forces carried out the nation’s largest single‑day rescue operation, freeing 308 individuals taken in separate attacks that took place in February. The victims were recovered from Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State, in a coordinated effort involving the army, police, intelligence agencies and the National Counter‑Terrorism Centre.

Of the rescued, 163 were taken from the Woro community in Kwara State, where the attack also killed several locals. Another 145 people had been abducted in Niger State, likely by the same jihadist network that urges residents to reject the Nigerian government and adopt their creed. While the operation did not confirm the capture of any suspects, the rescued civilians received medical care before being reunited with their families.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commented that the operation was “the largest rescue ever carried out in a single day” and a sign of better co‑ordination among Nigeria’s security agencies. He welcomed the success enthusiastically, hoping it would deter future kidnappings.

The abductions fit into a growing pattern of militant attacks across Nigeria’s heartland, raising concerns that insecurity is spreading beyond the traditional conflict zones. The most recent case involved 44 schoolchildren and teachers freed after 50 days in captivity, following a month‑long security operation in Oyo State.

Amnesty International reports that many of the victims found in the Woro attack were injured – with arms and legs bound or throats cut – underscoring the brutality of the jihadists. The Nigerian government has blamed Boko Haram for the attack, though the insurgent group has not issued a statement.