President Bola Tinubu has asked security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to prevent further abductions across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to Tinubu, said the president gave the directive following the release of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
Onanuga said 163 of the victims were abducted from the Woro community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara state, while 145 were from Niger state.
Onanuga said the victims were freed from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in New Bussa LGA of Niger state during a coordinated operation led by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), with personnel from the armed forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.
“It was the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team,” Onanuga said.
Onanuga said Tinubu expressed “deep appreciation” to the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for the seamless inter-agency collaboration and dedication, which made the victims’ freedom possible.
”The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” Onanuga quoted the president as saying.
He said freed kidnap victims are receiving first aid at the Wawa cantonment and will be handed over to their state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families.
Onanuga said Tinubu applauded the return of the victims and stressed the need to bolster national security infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.
“He directed security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid-response capabilities to avert similar incidents nationwide,” Onanuga said.
Onanuga added that the Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace nationwide.
