Nigerian security forces have rescued at least 308 people abducted in separate attacks across the country's north, President Bola Tinubu announced on Wednesday, describing the mission as the largest single-day rescue operation in the nation's history.
According to the presidency, those rescued include 163 people kidnapped from the Woro community in Kwara state's Kaiama area in February and 145 others, most of them abducted in neighbouring Niger state.
Authorities did not disclose operational details but said the victims were rescued from a forest after spending months in captivity and are now receiving medical treatment.
Bandit violence persists
Tinubu praised the intelligence-led operation as evidence of improving coordination among Nigeria's security agencies.
"The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services," he said, commending security personnel for their efforts.
Kidnappings for ransom remain widespread in northwestern and north-central Nigeria, where heavily armed criminal groups, locally known as bandits, frequently target communities and schools.
Nigeria also continues to grapple with a long-running insurgency in its northeast, adding to the country's complex security challenges.
