More Than 300 Abducted Nigerians Rescued in Country's Largest Single-Day Security Operation

More than 300 people abducted in separate attacks in Nigeria have been rescued, the country's presidency says, describing it as the largest single-day rescue operation ever carried out by the country's joint security forces.

Homes that were burned stand in ruins days after an attack in the village of Woro, Nigeria, February 5, 2026. 

How the Rescue Unfolded

The 308 victims were freed from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in the New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, in an operation involving the Nigerian armed forces, police, the Department of State Services, and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Bola Tinubu warmly welcomed the successful rescue of the citizens, who had been abducted in different attacks across Niger and Kwara states. Details of how the operation was carried out were not disclosed, with officials saying only that the victims were rescued from a forest and are now receiving medical attention.

Who Was Rescued

Those freed include 163 people abducted during a February attack on the Woro community in Kaiama, Kwara State, an assault in which the Nigerian government has blamed Boko Haram and where scores were killed at the time.

 Another 145 people had been taken separately, mostly from sites within Niger State. Survivors were treated at a military facility before being reunited with their families.

A Milestone the President Is Highlighting

Tinubu described the mission as the largest rescue operation ever undertaken in the country on a single day, crediting what he called an intelligence-led operation. "The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services," he said in a statement, adding praise for "the bravery and unwavering commitment" of the personnel involved. It remains unclear whether any suspects were detained during the raid.

Part of a Wider Pattern of Abductions

The rescue comes weeks after 44 pupils and teachers abducted during a school attack in Oyo State were freed following a month-long security operation, after more than 50 days in captivity. Nigeria has faced a string of abductions this year spanning both its traditional conflict zones in the north and areas in south-central Nigeria, raising fresh concerns that insecurity long associated with jihadist and bandit groups in the north is spreading into parts of the country previously seen as more stable.

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