PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, August 5, hailed the rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest as a breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, urging security agencies to strengthen early warning systems and community intelligence to prevent future attacks.
Tinubu commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration in the largest rescue operation in a single day by a joint security team, saying the operation reflected the growing synergy among Nigeria’s security institutions.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the rescued victims, rescued during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Council of Niger, comprised 163 persons abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Council of Kwara State and 145 kidnapped in Niger State.
The President said: “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 Presidency explained that the victims were administered first aid and other medical attention at the Wawa Military Cantonment and would be handed over to their state governments for rehabilitation and reunification with their families after medical evaluation.
While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu directed security agencies and other stakeholders to reinforce early warning mechanisms, improve community-based intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response capabilities to forestall future attacks, restating his administration’s determination to defeat insecurity, protect vulnerable communities and restore lasting peace across Nigeria.
It is not stated whether any suspects were detained in the operation.
Recall that bandits had, in separate attacks on Woro community of Kwara State in February this year, abducted over 300 persons.
The jihadists wanted residents to renounce the Nigerian government and its constitution and instead follow their teachings, effectively attempting to impose a parallel system of rule and government in the area.
Amnesty International said many of the dead had been found with their hands and feet tied, some had had their throats slit, others had been shot dead.
The Federal Government blamed Boko Haram for the attack, but the group has not issued any statement about it.
The rescue came weeks after 44 schoolchildren and teachers abducted during a school attack in Oyo State were freed after 56 days in captivity, following a month-long security operation.
In Woro Community and other parts of Kaiama Local Council, there was widespread jubilation, following confirmation of the rescue, with residents chanting “Alhamdulillah” and “Oluwa se o” as vehicles and motorcycles raced from Wawa in Borgu Local Council of Niger State towards the community as the news spread.
The member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Saidu Baba Ahmed, while confirming the rescue, said: “Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released.
“I’m very, very excited about this development. We give thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and our security operatives.”
