One hundred and seventy-six residents abducted during the deadly February 3, 2026, attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom.
The Kwara State Government disclosed the development on Wednesday in a statement posted on its official Facebook page, thanking President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and everyone who contributed to securing the victims’ release.
However, it did not disclose the circumstances surrounding their freedom or whether any ransom was paid.
The victims were abducted when suspected Boko Haram linked extremists launched a coordinated attack on the neighbouring communities of Woro and Nuku, riding in on motorcycles and carrying out an assault that lasted several hours.
The attack, regarded as one of the deadliest in the state’s history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, destroyed homes and businesses, and displaced hundreds of residents.
The release comes days after residents of Kaiama staged a peaceful protest, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abductees, who had spent about six months in captivity. Protesters said families had endured months of uncertainty and appealed for urgent intervention.
While the return of the victims has been welcomed across the state, authorities are yet to provide further details on the operation that led to their release or the condition of those rescued.
