The Nigerian military and other security agencies have rescued 315 abducted Nigerians in separate operations across Kwara, Niger and Ogun states within 24 hours, marking one of the country’s largest coordinated rescue efforts in recent months.
Key Highlights:
- Security forces rescue 315 kidnap victims in Kwara, Niger and Ogun.
- 308 victims freed from terrorist captivity in Kainji Lake National Park.
- Seven abducted Gateway ICT Polytechnic students rescued without ransom.
- President Tinubu commends security agencies, orders stronger intelligence gathering.
- Two kidnapping suspects arrested as investigations continue.
The rescued victims comprise 308 persons freed from terrorist captivity in the forests spanning Kwara and Niger states, alongside seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, who regained their freedom after being abducted last week.
The 308 victims, including 163 from Kwara and 145 from Niger, consist largely of women and children, among them a breastfeeding infant. They were rescued during a special military operation in the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) after being held since attacks on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and neighbouring communities in Niger State on February 3 and 4, 2026.
The victims are currently undergoing security screening and receiving medical treatment at Wawa Cantonment in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where the Commander of the 22 Brigade is coordinating their welfare, medical care and temporary accommodation ahead of their return home.
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Authorities have concluded arrangements for their evacuation, with buses stationed at Sobi Cantonment in Ilorin to transport the Kwara victims, while both state governments are coordinating the movement of those returning to their communities.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the successful operation, commending the security personnel involved and directing relevant agencies to strengthen early-warning systems, improve community-based intelligence gathering and enhance rapid-response capabilities to prevent future mass abductions.
No Ransom Paid for Ogun Students’ Rescue
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the successful rescue of the seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, stressing that no ransom was paid.
Addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Abiodun praised the coordinated efforts of security agencies, local hunters, vigilantes and other stakeholders whose joint operation secured the students’ release.
He disclosed that after the abduction, he requested aerial surveillance support from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
“I reached out to the Inspector-General of Police to deploy aerial surveillance to complement the ground operations. I am pleased that he responded immediately by approving and deploying a police helicopter the same day,” the governor said.
According to Abiodun, five of the victims were rescued during the initial phase of the operation, while the remaining two were freed in a subsequent mission involving the police helicopter and ground forces. One of the rescued students sustained a gunshot wound but has since been stabilised after receiving medical attention.
Two Kidnap Suspects Arrested
The governor confirmed that two suspected kidnappers have been arrested, while security agencies continue to pursue other members of the gang.
“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers or any other criminals in Ogun State. Whether they are principal offenders, collaborators, informants, logistics providers or sponsors, they will be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Abiodun also commended President Tinubu for strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies nationwide, describing the Federal Government’s support as instrumental to recent successes against criminal groups.
Experts Call for Stronger Prevention Measures
While welcoming the rescue operations, UK-based Nigerian medical doctor and public affairs analyst, Dr. Chinwike Oke-Nwosu, urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and communication monitoring.
“How is it possible that terrorists kidnapped Nigerians and still use phones freely within Nigeria? That should not happen in this day and age,” he said.
He also warned that Nigerians must not become desensitised to repeated kidnapping incidents, stressing the need for sustained protection of citizens.
Retired Rear Admiral Dickson Olisemelogor described the operation as evidence of improved collaboration between communities and security agencies.
“It shows affected communities are increasingly willing to cooperate with security agencies. Sustained military pressure is making kidnapping less attractive,” he said.
Senior military officers also attributed the successful rescue operations to improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and stronger community support, while reiterating that preventing abductions remains the ultimate objective.
