Tinubu hails rescue of 308 abductees, orders stronger early warning systems
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians from a forest in Niger State, directing security agencies to strengthen early warning mechanisms and improve intelligence gathering to prevent future kidnappings.
The President gave the directive in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following what the Presidency described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever conducted by a joint security team.
According to the statement, 163 of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while the remaining 145 victims were kidnapped in Niger State.
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation involving the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
Tinubu commended the security agencies for what he described as their bravery, professionalism and effective inter-agency collaboration.
“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President said.
The Presidency said the rescued victims are receiving first aid and medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu directed security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen early warning systems, enhance community-level intelligence gathering and improve rapid response capabilities to forestall similar incidents.
