BREAKING: 176 Kwara Abductees Regain Freedom After Nearly Six Months in Captivity

At least 176 residents abducted during the February 3 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after nearly six months in captivity.

The Kwara State Government announced the development on Wednesday through its official Facebook page, describing the release as a major breakthrough.

The government expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies and others who contributed to the safe recovery of the victims.

“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.

Details surrounding the operation remained unclear as of press time. However, community sources said security personnel, supported by military hardware, moved into the forest where the victims were believed to have been held.

Daily Trust reported that a member of the community negotiating team, Aliyu Umar, said information reaching residents suggested that the Federal Government had launched a rescue operation.

He said residents of nearby Wawa reportedly saw several long vehicles accompanied by Army armoured tanks moving towards the forest.

The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Salihu Umar, also confirmed that information available to the community indicated that a government rescue team had entered the area to receive the abductees.

He said buses, Army gun trucks and other security vehicles were reportedly seen heading towards the forest.

Dr Abdul Ibrahim, who has been involved in efforts to secure the release of the victims, also confirmed their freedom, but said the exact circumstances surrounding the development were yet to be established.

According to him, arrangements were underway to transport the victims to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
He said it was not yet known whether negotiations or ransom payments played any role in securing their release.

The development ends months of uncertainty and anguish for the victims’ families, who had repeatedly appealed to the government to intensify efforts to rescue their loved ones.