Nigerian security forces have freed more than 300 abducted people in what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called the country's largest single-day hostage recovery, following a joint operation in the north-central region.
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Key facts
- More than 300 abducted people were rescued.
- The release was announced on Wednesday after a joint operation.
- Victims were held in the dense forests of Kainji Lake national park in north-central Nigeria.
- The operation involved the military, police and counter-terrorism units.
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed it as the largest single-day hostage recovery in the country's history.
Nigerian security forces have rescued more than 300 abducted people in what the government describes as the country’s largest single-day operation by joint security forces, according to the BBC and the Guardian.
The release was announced on Wednesday after a joint operation freed victims who had been held captive in the dense forests of the Kainji Lake national park in the north-central region, the Guardian reported.
The operation was conducted by the military, police and counter-terrorism units working together, according to the Guardian’s account of the government’s statement.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the rescue as the largest single-day hostage recovery in the country’s history, describing the operation as successful.
The Guardian reported that the rescue comes as Nigeria battles endemic kidnapping for ransom and worsening insecurity.
Why it matters
Mass kidnappings for ransom have become a persistent security crisis in Nigeria, affecting communities across the country. A rescue on this scale, presented by the government as its largest single-day operation, signals the scale of the challenge and the government's response.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were rescued?
Nigerian security forces rescued more than 300 abducted people, according to the BBC and the Guardian.
Where were the hostages held?
The victims were held captive in the dense forests of the Kainji Lake national park in Nigeria's north-central region, according to the Guardian.
Who carried out the rescue?
The operation was a joint effort conducted by the military, police and counter-terrorism units, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- Nigerian security forces free more than 300 hostages abducted by militants
The Guardian World: President hails ‘successful’ rescue as country battles endemic kidnapping for ransom and insecurity worsens Nigerian security forces have rescued more than 300 abducted people in what the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hailed as the largest single-day hostage recovery in the count
- Nigerian security forces free more than 300 hostages in ‘largest single-day recovery’
The Guardian World: President hails operation to rescue captives held in dense forests of Kainji Lake national park in north-central region Nigerian security forces have rescued more than 300 abducted people in what the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hailed as the largest single-day hostage recovery
- Nigerian security forces rescue more than 300 abductees
BBC World: Nigeria's government says the rescue is the country's largest single-day operation by joint security forces.