PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has welcomed the “successful” rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
The victims include 163 people who were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, and 145 from Niger State.
The presidency, in a statement on Wednesday, said that 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 described it as the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team.
President Tinubu commended 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 was quoted as saying in the statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
The statement also revealed that the rescued victims are receiving first aid and essential medical care at the Medical facility at Wawa Cantonment, and will be formally handed over to their state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families, upon completion of their medical evaluations.
While applauding the return of the victims, the President stressed the importance of bolstering national security infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.
He directed 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 also reassured 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.
