Nigerian security forces have rescued over 300 abducted people in an operation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called the largest single-day hostage recovery in the country's history. The release was announced on Wednesday following a joint operation by the military, police, and counter-terrorism units.
The victims were freed from the dense forests of the Kainji Lake national park in the north-central region. Among those rescued were 163 individuals abducted in February from Woro village in Kwara state, and 145 others primarily seized from the neighbouring Niger state.
Officials confirmed that the survivors are undergoing medical evaluations at an army installation before being reunited with their families. President Tinubu stated that the operation demonstrates "the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services."
Kidnapping for ransom has become widespread in Nigeria over the last decade, particularly in the north. A report by SBM Intelligence indicated that between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were kidnapped in 997 reported incidents, resulting in at least 762 deaths.