President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.

According to a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 163 victims were kidnapped from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 were taken in Niger State.

They were freed from Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa, Niger State. The Presidency described it as the largest same-day rescue ever carried out by a joint security team

The operation was intelligence-driven and coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.

Personnel involved included the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.

President Tinubu commended the security agencies for bravery, professionalism and collaboration.

He said the rescued victims are receiving first aid at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment. They will be handed to their state governments after medical checks for rehabilitation and reunion with families.

While celebrating the rescue, Tinubu directed security agencies to improve early warning systems, community intelligence gathering and rapid response to prevent future abductions.

He reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to protect vulnerable communities and restore peace.

The rescue comes amid rising cases of mass abduction in North-Central Nigeria. Kainji Lake National Park Forest has been identified as a hideout for armed groups due to its vast terrain.

The National Counter Terrorism Centre was created to coordinate Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts across agencies.