More than 300 people who were abducted in separate attacks across northern Nigeria have been rescued in what authorities described as the largest single-day rescue operation in the country’s history. The operation, conducted on Wednesday by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre alongside the military and police, took place in a forest area, reportedly within Kajin Lake National Park, where the captives had been held.

Among those freed were 163 individuals who had been kidnapped in February from the village of Woro, located in the Kaiama area of Kwara state near the border with Benin. Another 145 people, primarily abducted from various locations within Niger state, were also rescued. President Bola Tinubu announced the operation’s success in a statement, emphasizing the coordinated efforts of Nigeria’s security forces. “The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services,” he said, commending the military and police for their dedication.

The rescued individuals, who were held for several months, are now receiving medical attention. While specific details of the rescue mission have not been publicly disclosed, the scale of the operation marks a significant effort to counter the ongoing kidnapping crisis that has plagued the country.

Kidnapping for ransom by criminal gangs, referred to locally as "bandits," along with jihadist militants, has become a widespread security challenge, particularly in the north-west and north-central regions of Nigeria. These groups frequently target schools and communities, demanding large ransoms. Conflict involving bandit groups is often linked to tensions between former herders—some of whom have taken up arms—and farming communities over scarce resources.

The ongoing insurgency led by Islamist militants, including Boko Haram, continues to affect parts of northeastern Nigeria. The government has attributed the February attack on Woro village, which resulted in at least 165 deaths and the abduction of a similar number, to Boko Haram militants. This raid involved the burning of homes and widespread violence.

The rescue marks a notable development in Nigeria’s efforts to combat the intertwined challenges of banditry and insurgency that have severely impacted regional security and civilian safety over recent years.