All 176 victims abducted during a devastating assault on rural communities in Kwara State earlier this year have regained their freedom, state officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The victims were seized on 3 February 2026 when suspected Boko Haram-linked militants mounted on motorcycles launched a coordinated, multi-hour siege on the neighbouring villages of Woro and Nuku in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The onslaught, widely regarded as one of the deadliest in the state’s history, resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people, left numerous others injured, and triggered widespread displacement as residents fled destroyed homes and businesses. Local vigilantes who attempted to resist the invaders were quickly overwhelmed, with a number of fighters allegedly trapped and burnt to death inside their headquarters.
Releasing a statement on its official Facebook page months after the incident, the Kwara State Government praised the efforts of law enforcement and federal authorities:
“Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”
Specific details concerning the exact conditions and operational logistics surrounding the victims’ release were not immediately made available as of press time.