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176 residents kidnapped during the February 3 terrorist invasion of Woro and Nuku communities have regained their freedom after nearly six months in captivity.
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Kwara State Government hails President Tinubu, security agencies and all those involved in the operation for the successful rescue. Community leaders say heavily armed security personnel backed by military hardware moved into the forest before the victims were released.
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Freedom comes days after kidnappers reportedly rejected over ₦155 million raised by families and insisted on negotiating directly with government authorities.
August 5, (THEWILL) — Relief swept across Kwara State on Wednesday as no fewer than 176 residents abducted during the deadly February 3 terrorist invasion of Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area regained their freedom, bringing an end to nearly six months of fear, uncertainty and anguish for their families.
The development follows about 171 days in captivity for the victims and marks one of the largest reported releases of kidnap victims in recent months.
The Kwara State Government confirmed the breakthrough in a statement published on its official Facebook page, describing the operation as a major success and expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies involved.
“Alhamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” the government stated.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to disclose whether the captives were rescued through a military operation, negotiations or any other arrangement.
However, multiple community sources said security forces mounted a major operation deep inside the forests earlier on Wednesday before news filtered into the affected communities that the victims had been freed.
Aliyu Umar, a member of the community negotiation team, said residents of nearby Wawa community witnessed an unusual movement of military assets towards the forest.
According to him, witnesses reported seeing seven to eight long vehicles escorted by Army armoured tanks heading into the area where the captives were believed to have been held.
“We were hearing that the Federal Government was making moves. Information reaching me was that they had been handed over. People in Wawa saw several vehicles and Army armoured tanks heading into the forest”, he said.
The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Salihu Umar, also confirmed receiving reports that a Federal Government rescue team had entered the forest to receive the freed victims.
He said although community leaders had not yet established direct contact with the victims at that point, available information strongly indicated that they had been handed over to government officials.
“We had not spoken with the victims ourselves at that point, but everything we were hearing suggested they had been handed over to the rescue team”, he said.
Dr Abdul Ibrahim, who played a leading role in coordinating community efforts throughout the months-long captivity, also confirmed the release but admitted that the exact circumstances remained unclear.
“Yes, it is true. They are arranging vehicles to bring them to Ilorin. We do not know exactly how they secured the release. We do not know whether there was any negotiation or ransom involved. At this stage, we simply do not know the circumstances”, he said.
Six Months of Agony Ends
The release ends months of painful uncertainty that forced families to exhaust their savings, sell personal belongings and organise fundraising campaigns in desperate attempts to secure the freedom of their loved ones.
Only days earlier, residents of Kaiama staged a peaceful protest demanding urgent Federal Government intervention after the victims had remained in captivity for 171 days.
Hundreds of youths, women and community leaders marched through Kaiama town carrying placards and calling for intensified military operations, particularly around the forests adjoining the Kainji Lake National Park, which residents have repeatedly identified as a major hideout for terrorist groups.
The protesters also urged authorities to establish permanent security formations to prevent future attacks on vulnerable border communities.
Rejected Ransom Deepened Despair
The successful release comes barely five days after affected families revealed that terrorists had reportedly rejected more than ₦155 million painstakingly raised through community donations, personal savings and the sale of valuables.
Dr Ibrahim had disclosed that the abductors allegedly refused the money and insisted they would negotiate only with the governments of Kwara and Niger states because the captives included residents from both states.
He further alleged that the terrorists threatened to execute some captives while forcing several female victims into marriage, heightening fears over the safety of those in captivity.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
