Nigerian security forces free more than 300 hostages abducted by militants

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated the military's successful operation to rescue over 300 hostages in the dense forests of Kainji Lake national park, a region in the north-central part of Nigeria. This marked the largest single-day hostage recovery in the country's history. The rescue occurred after a joint operation involving the military, police, and counter-terrorism units.

Among the rescued were 163 people who were abducted in February during a raid in Woro village in Kwara state, and 145 others who were seized primarily from Niger state. Both states share a border with Benin, where militant attacks have been increasing in recent times.

The rescued individuals are currently undergoing medical evaluations at an army installation before being reunited with their families. Tinubu praised the efficiency and collaboration among the security services, commending their bravery and commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives. The government spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the operation was part of the president's commitment to restoring lasting peace across the nation.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant issue in Nigeria, particularly in the north, where various armed groups, including bandit gangs and jihadists, operate in large unoccupied forests and shrublands. From July 2024 to June 2025, at least 4,722 people were kidnapped in 997 reported incidents, resulting in 762 deaths, according to a report by SBM Intelligence.

The ransom demands totaled ₦48bn ($35m or £26m), with families and communities paying at least ₦2.57bn ($2m or £1.4m) in ransom to secure their loved ones' release.

In the lead-up to the January presidential election, where Tinubu is seeking a second four-year term, the government has been focusing on reforms and rescue operations to address the growing insecurity. The latest rescue took place during a week when the army declared the governor of the Islamic State West Africa Province, Abu Musa al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, and his deputy, Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda, as wanted.

These individuals lead a Boko Haram offshoot active in the Lake Chad basin, which spans Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. In July, security forces freed at least 40 students and teachers kidnapped in May from a school in Oyo, a city in southwestern Nigeria. Last week, the presidency announced a 30% to 80% salary increase for thousands of soldiers, the largest hike in years, as the army struggles to cope with concurrent insurgencies across the country.