Rescued residents among 308 Nigerians freed in major security operation across Kwara, Niger.
Victims abducted during the deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have arrived in Ilorin following their rescue after spending several months in captivity.
The victims arrived in the state capital late Thursday night after being freed through coordinated military and security operations.
They were transported from Niger State to the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, where they were received by security officials before being moved to an undisclosed location for the night.
Some of the rescued victims were taken to hospital for medical attention, while authorities continued efforts to assess their condition and provide necessary support.
The victims were among residents abducted when armed attackers invaded Woro in February, killing more than 150 people and taking several others into surrounding forests.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.
According to the Presidency, 163 of those rescued were abducted from Woro, while 145 others were taken from communities in Niger State.
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during an intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.
Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Department of State Services and Nigeria Police Force participated in the operation.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described it as the largest single-day rescue operation carried out by the joint security team.
The rescued victims are receiving first aid and medical care at the Wawa Cantonment medical facility before their formal handover to the affected state governments for further treatment, rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
The Woro attack had sparked widespread concern and led to intensified security operations in the area.
Residents had reported that attackers killed more than 150 people and abducted a large number of residents, although the exact number of those kidnapped remained disputed by authorities.
President Tinubu had condemned the attack and ordered the deployment of additional military personnel to the area.
The latest rescue operation is expected to provide relief to families who had spent months seeking information about their abducted relatives, while security agencies are expected to sustain operations aimed at preventing further attacks and dismantling criminal hideouts in forested areas.