Nigerian security forces rescue more than 300 abductees

What the report says

Nigeria’s presidency says security forces have rescued more than 300 people who had been abducted in separate attacks, in what officials described as the country’s largest single-day rescue operation. According to BBC Africa, the people were found in or near Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State during a joint operation involving the military, police, intelligence services and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.

The rescued group included 163 people taken in a February attack on the Woro community in Kwara State, where many people were killed, and at least 145 others abducted in Niger State. The government said the total number freed was 308. BBC Africa reported that it was not immediately clear whether any suspects were arrested during the operation.

Officials said the freed captives were taken to a military site for medical attention before being reunited with relatives. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu viewed the rescue as evidence of better coordination among security agencies.

The operation comes amid rising concern over kidnappings in Nigeria, including attacks beyond the country’s more familiar conflict areas. BBC Africa also noted that dozens of pupils and teachers abducted in a separate school attack in Oyo State were recently freed after weeks in captivity.