President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 abducted persons from Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as the largest single-day rescue mission ever carried out by Nigeria's security agencies.

The President also directed security agencies to strengthen early warning mechanisms, enhance intelligence gathering and improve rapid response strategies to prevent future mass abductions across the country.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 others were rescued after a separate attack in Niger State.

The victims were freed from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation involving the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

Reacting to the successful operation, Tinubu commended the security agencies for their professionalism and collaboration.

"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," the President said.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at a health facility within the Wawa Cantonment before being handed over to their respective state governments for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's determination to tackle insecurity across the country.

"My administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation," he said.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government said it adopted a discreet, behind-the-scenes approach throughout the months-long rescue operation to avoid jeopardising the mission.

Speaking in an interview, the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, said the government deliberately kept details of the operation away from the public because of its sensitive security nature.

She thanked President Tinubu, the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their roles in securing the victims' freedom.

Olukoju also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained efforts throughout the operation.

"Our governor has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure all the Woro victims regained their freedom. All hope was never lost because we have been working," she said.

She explained that the government could not publicly disclose its strategies while the operation was ongoing, stressing that doing so could have endangered the lives of the captives.

The commissioner added that the state government was awaiting comprehensive details from the military regarding the rescued victims before providing further updates to the public.

She reaffirmed the AbdulRazaq administration's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, describing the successful rescue as a major relief for the government and the affected communities.