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More than 300 people abducted in separate attacks in Nigeria have been rescued, the country’s presidency says, in what it describes as the largest single-day operation by joint security forces.<\/p>\n
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State in an operation involving the military, police, intelligence unit and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.<\/p>\n
Those freed include 163 people abducted during a February attack on the Woro community in Kwara State, where scores were killed. At least 145 others had been taken in Niger State.<\/p>\n
It is not clear whether any suspects were detained in the operation.<\/p>\n
The victims were receiving medical care at a military site before being reunited with their families.<\/p>\n
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomes the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said.<\/p>\n
It was “the largest rescue operation ever carried out” in a single day, Onanuga added.<\/p>\n
Tinubu described the operation as a sign of improved co-ordination among Nigeria’s security agencies.<\/p>\n
The armed jihadists wanted residents of the village of Woro in Kwara State to renounce the Nigerian government and its constitution and instead follow their teachings, effectively attempting to impose a parallel system of rule and government in the area.<\/p>\n
Amnesty International said many of the dead had been found with their hands and feet tied – some had had their throats slit, others had been shot dead.<\/p>\n
The Nigerian government has blamed Boko Haram for the attack – the jihadist group has not issued any statement about it.<\/p>\n
The rescue comes weeks after 44 pupils and teachers abducted during a school attack in Oyo State were freed after more than 50 days in captivity following a month-long security operation.<\/p>\n
The series of abductions, including attacks in parts of north-central and southern Nigeria, has raised fresh concerns that insecurity is spreading beyond the country’s traditional conflict zones.<\/p>\n