President Bola Tinubu has applauded the largest single-day hostage rescue operation in recent Nigerian history, following the release of 308 citizens abducted in separate attacks on Kwara and Niger states—and has immediately ordered security agencies to overhaul early warning systems to prevent future occurrences.
In a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the coordinated effort that led to the victims’ freedom from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa Local Government Area, Niger State.
How the Rescue Unfolded
The operation—described as “the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team” was spearheaded by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), with critical support from:
· The Armed Forces
· The Department of State Services (DSS)
· The Nigeria Police Force
According to Onanuga, 163 of the victims were abducted from the Woro community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, while 145 were taken from various locations in Niger State. All 308 were successfully extracted from the dense forest enclave in a single, intelligence-driven mission.
Tinubu: ‘Efficiency and Collaboration at Work’
The President expressed profound gratitude to the security personnel involved, praising the seamless inter-agency synergy that made the operation a success.
“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,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
Immediate Orders: Stronger Early Warning Systems
While celebrating the rescue, Tinubu did not mince words on the need for proactive measures. He directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to:
· Strengthen early warning mechanisms at all levels
· Enhance community-level intelligence gathering
· Improve rapid-response capabilities to avert similar incidents nationwide
The directive signals a shift from reactive responses to preemptive security architecture, particularly in vulnerable rural and forest-belt communities.
Victims Now Receiving Care
Onanuga confirmed that the freed hostages are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the Wawa Cantonment. They will subsequently be handed over to the state governments of Kwara and Niger for comprehensive rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
“This administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace nationwide,” Onanuga added.
The rescue comes as a morale booster for Nigeria’s security apparatus and a testament to improved operational coordination under the Tinubu administration.
