Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwara State Government has announced the release of 176 residents who were abducted during the deadly February 3, 2026, attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, bringing an end to 183 days of captivity for the victims, mostly women and children. The development, confirmed on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, marks one of the largest reported releases of kidnap victims in recent months and has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the region.
The victims regained their freedom following a joint security operation, according to a statement posted on the state government's official Facebook page. The government expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security forces, and all those involved in securing the victims' release. "Alhamdulillah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful," the statement read. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, also confirmed the release, commending the efforts of security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi, confirmed that the victims are currently at the Wawa military cantonment in Niger State, awaiting transportation back to Kwara State. "Yes, it's true that they have been released and I can't tell for now whether ransom was paid or not. They are currently in Wawa military cantonment in Niger State, because our people are not the only victims released. But the office of Secretary to the State Government is currently arranging vehicles that will bring them to Ilorin," Danladi told Vanguard. The member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed, also confirmed the development, expressing excitement and gratitude to President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and security operatives.
The victims were abducted on February 3, 2026, when suspected Boko Haram-linked terrorists invaded the rural communities of Woro and Nuku on motorcycles in a coordinated attack that reportedly lasted several hours. The assault, described as one of the deadliest in Kwara State's history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, left several others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and displaced many residents. Local vigilantes who attempted to resist the attackers were reportedly overpowered, with some said to have been trapped and burnt inside their office. The abduction attracted national attention in February after a video surfaced showing dozens of women and children held by the insurgents. In the footage, the captives, including women carrying infants, identified Woro community as the place where they were abducted, with several of the children appearing visibly malnourished.
In April, another video circulated on social media showing one of the abducted women appealing to the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to secure their release. The woman, speaking from captivity and surrounded by fellow victims, said the group included pregnant women, young children, and sick persons, urging authorities to intervene without delay. "We are from Woro in Kaiama local government. We were taken on February 3, and today is April 8. This is the last opportunity they have given us," she said. The February attack triggered nationwide outrage, prompting President Tinubu to order intensified military operations in the area as security forces launched efforts to rescue the captives and restore stability to affected communities.
Details surrounding the victims' release, including whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances that led to their freedom, were not immediately disclosed as of the time of this report. However, the release of the 176 abducted victims comes months after the attack, bringing relief to families who had endured nearly six months of agonising uncertainty. The Kwara State Government has expressed its appreciation to all those who contributed to the successful operation, describing it as a testament to the commitment of security agencies and the Federal Government to protecting the lives of citizens. As the victims begin their journey back to their communities, the focus now shifts to their reintegration and the long-term rehabilitation of a region that has suffered immensely from the scourge of terrorism.
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