Nigerian security forces rescue 300 kidnapping victims

In a significant development, Nigerian security forces have rescued over 300 kidnapping victims, according to the government. Among the rescued were 163 individuals from a single village in the west of the country, located in Woro, Kwara state. This rescue operation marks the largest ever carried out in a single day, involving various security agencies including the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, military, Department of State Services intelligence agency, and police.

The victims were rescued from a location within Kainji Lake National Park Forest. The sparsely governed forests and reserves across Nigeria have become hideouts for criminal groups, leading to a major crisis, especially in areas with limited state presence in the north and center of the country. Earlier this year, suspected jihadists attacked Woro, killing more than 150 people and abducting around the same number.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the successful rescue operation, stating that 163 victims were from Woro and 145 were from Niger State. The president condemned the "beastly attack" and deployed an army battalion to the troubled region. Suspected jihadists had previously sent a letter to the village, announcing their intention to preach, only to find no one present, allegedly resulting in retaliation and the burning of houses and killing of upwards of 165 people.