About 176 residents of Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State were abducted nearly six months ago during a terrorist attack in which several people were killed
By Moses Okorie
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has commended the rescue of 308 abducted persons after nearly six months in captivity, describing the operation as a major indication of improved coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies.
The group said the successful operation demonstrated the growing effectiveness of the Federal Government’s intelligence-led approach to combating terrorism and kidnapping under President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG said the operation was particularly significant because it brought together personnel from the military, Department of State Services (DSS), National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the police.
The group described the operation as possibly the largest single-day rescue of abducted persons in the country, saying its outcome underscored the importance of close collaboration among security agencies.
TMSG recalled that about 176 residents of Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State were abducted nearly six months ago during a terrorist attack in which several people were killed.
According to the group, the victims, predominantly women and children, were rescued alongside 145 other persons who had been abducted from Niger State.
The group praised the security agencies for securing the release of the victims without collateral damage, noting that the approach was similar to the recent rescue of 44 students and teachers abducted in the Old Oyo National Park.
It said the latest operation demonstrated that intelligence gathering, patience and proper coordination were crucial to successful hostage rescue missions.
“Like President Bola Tinubu, we acknowledge the working synergy among security agencies which led to the successful operations,” the statement said.
TMSG noted that although the prolonged captivity of the victims was painful, a carefully planned rescue operation was preferable to a rushed intervention that could have endangered the lives of the hostages.
The group further expressed concern over the use of forested areas as operational bases by terrorist and criminal groups, particularly the Kainji Lake National Park, which it said had been identified by security analysts as a major hideout for terrorists operating along the Kwara-Niger axis.
It called for sustained intelligence sharing and joint operations to flush out terrorists from the park and other forest reserves being used as hideouts.
TMSG also welcomed the Federal Government’s initiative to establish forest guards to secure more than 1,000 designated forest reserves across the country.
The group said the initiative, when combined with stronger inter-agency cooperation and the planned establishment of state police, could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s response to terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
It expressed optimism that the measures would produce a more comprehensive security framework capable of addressing threats before they escalate.
The group also urged Nigerians to support the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies, stressing that national security should not be subjected to partisan political considerations.
TMSG said sustained cooperation among citizens, security agencies and government institutions remained essential to achieving lasting peace and security in the country.